Their crimes were great; to these their punishment is proportioned. The Bibles Tab is found in the Tools feature on Bible pages: Note: MLA no longer requires the URL as part of their citation standard. The means of salvation had long been confined to the Jews. (1 Thessalonians 2:8-9) Pauls self-support and hard work among the Thessalonians demonstrated that his motives were pure. 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. iii. Second, Paul had faith. 17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. But men of business are not masters of their own time. He was well pleased to do it because Paul was affectionately longing for the Thessalonians because they had become dear to Paul and his associates. He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. The Old Testament This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. Because these cookies are strictly necessary to deliver the website, refusing them will have impact how our site functions. It is in heaven that holy souls shall meet, and never part more. i. b. Note, The cross is the Christian's mark: if we are called to suffer we are called only to be followers of the churches of God; so persecuted they the prophets that were before you, Matt 5 12. And he comforted them also, endeavouring to cheer and support their spirits under the difficulties and discouragements they might meet with. Get Your Bible Minute in Your Inbox Every Morning. Most of these religions were missionary minded and sought to spread their faith using itinerant evangelists and preachers. i. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. The Greek intellectual and philosophical traditions were also represented. He assures them of his affection and high esteem for them, though he was not able, as yet, to be present with them according to his desire. (5.) i. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? i. Their behaviour was holy towards God, just towards all men, and unblamable, without giving cause of scandal or offence; and they were careful to give no offence either to those who were without, or to those who believed, that they might give no ill example; that their preaching and living might be all of a piece. Both of them were likely written sometime around 51-52 B.C., and as such are probably the two earliest epistles in the New Testament. Over a quarter of 1 Thessalonians and nearly half of 2 Thessalonians deal with problems and issues regarding the parousia or coming of Christ from heaven. The apostle assures the Thessalonians that the Lord would consume and destroy him; the consuming of him precedes his final destruction, and that is by the Spirit of his mouth, by his word of command; the pure word of God, accompanied with the Spirit of God, will discover this mystery of iniquity, and make the power of antichrist to consume and Paul had the discernment to know. The servant of the Lord must not strive, but be gentle unto all men, and patient, 2 Tim 2 24. In the first century world Paul lived in, there were many competing religions, and many ministers of those religions were motivated by greed and gain. Luke-Acts He also writes it as an instruction in holy living. You can copy the order of your preferred Bible translations from the Bibles Tab to the Version Picker (this popup) or vice versa. Verse 1 Thessalonians 2:2. True grace is of a most masculine, disengaged, noble nature, and remits nothing of its diligence either for fear of a frown or hope of a reward. (Trapp). But Paul knew well that the Jews of Judea were not the only ones responsible for the murder of Jesus. The words of men are frail and perishing, like themselves, and sometimes false, foolish, and fickle: but God's word is holy, wise, just, and faithful; and, like its author, lives and abides for ever. Timothy's Visit 3:1-5 3. For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 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. Paul is answering the insidious attacks being made by scandalmongers outside the church because of their hatred for him. (Hiebert). i. We should accommodate ourselves to the intention and design of the gospel, and live suitably to our profession and privileges, our hopes and expectations, as becomes those who are called with such a high and holy calling. Then of the manner of his conversation among them, ver 7-12. d. We were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict: Despite what some of Pauls accusers said, he did not only preach the Gospel when it was easy or convenient. Paul is something of a dictator (1 Thessalonians 2:7 we were gentle among you). David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltera, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: Gnesis 3 La tentacin y cada del hombre, David Guzik :: 2 Samuel 22 El Salmo de Alabanza de David, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), The Meaning of the Cross Part 2 (Elisabeth Elliot), Spiritism: Prophecy and Astrology (Walter Martin), 2 Thessalonians 1-3 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Intro. 1 Thessalonians 1 - The Products from Faith, Hope, and Love "This letter is full of interest because it is certainly among the first of those which have been preserved for us from the pen of Paul. a. Luke-Acts Paul's Instructions to the Thessalonians 4:1--5:28 A. Poetical Books v. Supposing that we have ascertained that hindrances in our way really come from Satan, WHAT THEN? Commentators divide as to if the uncleanness Paul defended himself against in 1 Thessalonians 2:3 was uncleanness of spirit or uncleanness of the flesh. Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? (1) An example of proper Christian rejoicing, by which also we learn, that those who have great gifts in them, are in two ways governed: first, if they consider that they have received all from God, and second, that continuance must be desired at his hands. He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). Away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face: Paul knew that the Thessalonians appreciated the comfort he gave, but they wondered why he didnt come and bring this comfort in person. 2. Our website uses cookies to store user preferences. Their persecuting spirit was a perverse spirit; contrary to the light of nature, and contrary to humanity, contrary to the welfare of all men, and contrary to the sentiments of all men not under the power of bigotry. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. That their faith grew exceedingly, v. 3. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. When Paul arrived in Thessalonica, the wounds on his back from Philippi were still fresh. i. Study Guide for 2 Thessalonians 2 by David Guzik Overview of 1 and 2 Thessalonians | Bible.org Perhaps Paul would say that he didnt need a crown in heaven because these precious ones were his crown of victory. c. Which also effectively works in you who believe: Pauls confidence in the word of God wasnt a matter of wishful thinking or blind faith. 3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we When we might have made demands as apostles of Christ: Paul was among the Thessalonians to give something to them, not to take something from them. He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the ministry, v. 11, 12. What does 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 mean? | BibleRef.com ( 1 Thessalonians 2:3-5) The integrity of Paul's message in Thessalonica. 2. Our coming to you was not in vain: The word vain here can refer either to the result of the ministry, or the character of the ministry. b. He avoided covetousness. 1 Thessalonians 2 - A Study Guide by Mark A. Copeland I have but one piece of advice, and that is, go on, hindrance or no hindrance, in the path of duty as God the Holy Ghost enables you. (Spurgeon). He knew what it was like to speak boldly for the Lord even in much conflict. 3. Where greed and ambition hold sway, innumerable corruptions follow, and the whole man turns to vanity. Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers., iii. There were the native Greek mystery religions, celebrating Dionysis and the sex and drinking cult. If Paul was discredited, then the Gospel message itself would be discredited. Satan Hinders Paul 2:17-20 2. i. Minor Prophets By proceeding, you consent to our cookie usage. Verse by Verse Commentary. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these:(1.) "Encouraging" (as in ch. They were contrary to all men. Though some among the Thessalonians had accused Paul of ministering out of self interest, but Paul simply asks the Christians in Thessalonica to remember the gentle character of his ministry among them. However, it is in truth the word of God. i. The following cookies are also needed - You can choose if you want to allow them: You can read about our cookies and privacy settings in detail on our Privacy Policy Page. i. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, v. 3. ( 2 Thessalonians 2:1-2) Paul's comfort to the troubled Thessalonians and their question. e. But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by assuring them that God would indeed take care of their persecutors. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). He knew this was not a random circumstance, but a direct attack from Satan. Paul exhorted the Thessalonians, not only informing them in their duty, but exciting and quickening them to the performance of it, by proper motives and arguments. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. Or do ye enter into the priesthood for a morsel of bread, or for what is ominously and impiously called a living, a benefice? Is God witness that, in all these things, ye have no cloak of covetousness? But wo to that man who enters into the labour for the sake of the hire! d. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins: Here Paul revealed what offended the religious persecutors of the Thessalonians so much. NIV so we cared for you. 1. They killed the Lord Jesus, and impudently and presumptuously wished that his blood might be on them and their children. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 1 AND 2 THESSALONIANS (UNDERSTANDING THE BIBLE COMMENTARY By David J. Williams at the best online prices at eBay! c. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil: Paul recognized his right to be supported by those he ministered to (1 Corinthians 9:14), but voluntarily gave up that right to set himself apart from missionaries of false religions. ii. We may request cookies to be set on your device. That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. e. But wrath has come upon them to the uttermost: Paul comforted the Thessalonians by assuring them that God would indeed take care of their persecutors. This is a worthy goal for any Christian today; to live a life that declares how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among others. This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. His design was not to enrich himself by preaching the gospel; so far from this, he did not stipulate with them for bread. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. (1 Thessalonians 2:10-12) Pauls own behavior and message to the Thessalonians demonstrates the integrity of his character before God and man. For what end God has preserved them distinct from all the people of the earth among whom they sojourn, we cannot pretend to say; but it must unquestionably be for an object of the very highest importance. The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. But also our own lives: Pauls preaching was effective because he gave not only the Gospel, but himself as well (also our own lives), and he gave because of love (you had become dear to us). b. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Timothy's Encouraging Report 3:6-10 4. c. Satan hindered us: Paul, in all his apostolic ministry and authority, could still be blocked by Satan. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. Paul was very careful about his own life. i. 2. 1 Thessalonians 2 - Coffman's Commentaries on the Bible - Bible d. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins: Here Paul revealed what offended the religious persecutors of the Thessalonians so much. The Thessalonians were mostly Gentile converts, yet when Paul mentioned Satan here, he gave no further explanation. He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, v. 5. The apostle had a most affectionate love to their persons, and sought them, not theirs; themselves, not their goods; and to gain them, not to be a gainer by them, or to make a merchandise of them: it was their spiritual and eternal welfare and salvation that he was earnestly desirous of. Check to enable permanent hiding of message bar and refuse all cookies if you do not opt in. Most of these missionaries were opportunists, who took everything they could from their listeners, and then moved on to find someone else to support them. First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. Those whom we bring to Jesus and disciple are a crown of victory for us. b. (1.) This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. As he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity, so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their office: You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you. Upon this occasion, the apostle gives a character of the unbelieving Jews (v. 15), enough to justify their final rejection and the ruin of their place, and church, and nation, which was now approaching. It does good to those that walk uprightly, and by its wonderful effects evidences itself to be the word of God. The Old Testament A good example this is, to be imitated by all the ministers of the gospel. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 Free shipping for many products! Click on the different category headings to find out more. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. 2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results. b. In these words the apostle apologizes for his absence. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. iii. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. ); and such as have this inward testimony of the truth of the scriptures, the word of God, by the effectual operations thereof on their hearts, have the best evidence of their divine original to themselves, though this is not sufficient to convince others who are strangers thereto. (5.) They naturally thought that this would be much better. Paul believed in a voice that speaks to mankind with the authority of eternity, and speaks above mere human opinion. This is unfortunate, since his works contain priceless gems of information that are found nowhere except in the ancient writings of the Jews. Major Prophets General Epistles ii. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 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, 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 uttermost. This meant that he didnt spend his life trying to seek and earn the acceptance of man. Thus did the Jews fill up their sins; and nothing tends more to any person or people's filling up the measure of their sins than opposing the gospel, obstructing the progress of it, and hindering the salvation of precious souls. b. Yet most people today have never heard of John Gill. There were a staggering variety of religions and religious professionals in Thessalonica. Directions for Growth 4:1-12 B. a. We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. A verification email has been sent to the address you provided. By bodily labour to prevent their charge, or that his ministry might not be expensive and burdensome to them: You remember our labour and travail; for, labouring night and day, etc., v. 9. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. 2. For the sake of these things wrath has come upon them to the uttermost; that is, wrath was determined against them, and would soon overtake them. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, (Hebrew/Greek Search by English Definition), * 'Number Delimiters' only apply to 'Paragraph Order', Search verses, phrases, and topics (e.g. By great readiness to do them good, willingly imparting to them, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, v. 8. As seen in 1 Thessalonians 1:6, Paul was comfortable in the idea of other Christians following his example. At the rapture, Christ will return for His people. For what end God has preserved them distinct from all the people of the earth among whom they sojourn, we cannot pretend to say; but it must unquestionably be for an object of the very highest importance. They were observers of their outward conversation in public before men, and God was witness not only of their behaviour in secret, but of the inward principles from which they acted. But the time of persecution would not last. Historical Books 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. iv. The New Testament 2. 4. Therefore we wanted to come to youeven I, Paul, time and againbut Satan hindered us. ii. It was that Satan hindered Paul and his associates. Pentateuch a. I. In these words the apostle reminds the Thessalonians of the manner of his conversation among them. GenesisExodusLeviticusNumbersDeuteronomyJoshuaJudgesRuth1 Samuel2 Samuel1 Kings2 Kings1 Chronicles2 ChroniclesEzraNehemiahEstherJobPsalmsProverbsEcclesiastesSong of SongsIsaiahJeremiahLamentationsEzekielDanielHoseaJoelAmosObadiahJonahMicahNahumHabakkukZephaniahHaggaiZechariahMalachiMatthewMarkLukeJohnActsRomans1 Corinthians2 CorinthiansGalatiansEphesiansPhilippiansColossians1 Thessalonians2 Thessalonians1 Timothy2 TimothyTitusPhilemonHebrewsJames1 Peter2 Peter1 John2 John3 JohnJudeRevelation, Select a Beginning Point Wisdom Literature 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Kjv - King James Bible Online 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 AV 1873 1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 2 but even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. And. 20 For ye are our glory and joy. It is not to be named with any of the words proper to religions in general [of that day]. (Morris). Paul wrote here in a personal manner, but this really wasnt a personal issue for Paul. Ye be not soon; quickly. Churches is the ancient Greek word ekklesia; it was not a specifically religious word. All rights reserved. What is our great gospel dutythat we walk worthy of God, that the temper of our minds and tenour of our lives be answerable to this call and suitable to this privilege. , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. 2:1-12) For you are our glory and joy. Wohlenberg conjectured that it was a term of endearment derived from the language of the nursery. Whatever its origin, it denotes the warm affection and tender yearning that the missionaries felt for their spiritual babes at Thessalonica. (Hiebert). Such behaviour greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. 3. Away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face: Paul knew that the Thessalonians appreciated the comfort he gave, but they wondered why he didnt come and bring this comfort in person. Here observe, I. There should be no corrupt mixtures therewith; and, as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was thus true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. Can ye call God to witness that in preaching it ye have no end in view by your ministry but his glory in the salvation of souls? i. 1, 2 Paul had to leave Thessalonica so quickly that there were many unfinished teachings he was not able to develop. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews.