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1 Thessalonians 2

1 Thessalonians 2 discusses Paul's ministry in Thessalonica, emphasizing his sincerity and the challenges he faced. Despite opposition, Paul insists his preaching was honest and motivated by a desire to please God rather than men. This chapter also illustrates the deep affection Paul had for the Thessalonian believers, describing his longing to see them and the joy they bring him as his hope and crown.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 (NKJV)
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.
2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

Paul recalls his time in Thessalonica, emphasizing that despite previous sufferings in Philippi and ongoing conflicts, his visit was purposeful and successful. He highlights the courage it took to continue preaching under such circumstances, driven by a conviction in the truth of the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 (NKJV)
3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.
5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.
6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

Paul defends the integrity of his ministry, asserting that his message was neither deceptive nor motivated by impure desires or greed. He emphasizes that his only goal was to please God, who knows his heart, rather than seeking approval or financial gain from people.

1 Thessalonians 2:7-10 (NKJV)
7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe.

Paul describes his conduct in Thessalonica with tenderness and care, comparing his approach to that of a nurturing mother. He shares how he and his companions went beyond merely preaching the gospel; they shared their lives with the Thessalonian believers, emphasizing their dedication and ethical conduct to avoid being a financial burden on anyone.

1 Thessalonians 2:11-12 (NKJV)
11 As you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12 that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Paul continues with the familial metaphor, now comparing his role to that of a father guiding and encouraging his children. He urged the Thessalonians to live lives that reflect their calling by God, aiming for a life that aligns with the values of God's kingdom.

1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 (NKJV)
13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.
14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,
15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,
16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the utmost.

Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonians' acceptance of his message as the true word of God. He acknowledges their suffering, likening it to that endured by the churches in Judea. Paul criticizes the Judeans who persecuted the early Christians and opposed the apostles' efforts to preach to the Gentiles, noting that such actions have brought divine wrath.

1 Thessalonians 2:17-20 (NKJV)
17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20 For you are our glory and joy.

Paul concludes the chapter by expressing his deep emotional connection to the Thessalonian believers, noting that although they were separated physically, he remained with them in spirit. He laments that satanic obstacles prevented him from revisiting them. Paul sees the Thessalonians as his pride and joy, looking forward to being reunited with them in the presence of Jesus at His return.

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