Apr 26, 2008

1 Thessalonians 2:1-12: A Summary Paragraph


In 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16, Paul responds to personal criticism and criticisms of his ministry by pointing to the message they preached, the manner they preached, and the ministry they performed. Paul begins by appealing to what the Thessalonians already knew (oidate, used four times, vv. 1, 2, 4, 11), namely, that he had preached the gospel boldly in spite of previous persecution (2:1–2). Paul also notes that the manner that his preaching was not defective, dirty, or deceitful, aimed at pleasing God rather than men (2:3–4). The Thessalonians themselves were aware of the kind of ministry he had performed. The Apostle’s ministry was not self-seeking nor self-serving (2:5–6; cf. 2:3). Rather, like a nursing mother or an encouraging father (2:7–12). Furthermore, both the Thessalonians and God Himself were witnesses that Paul had acted devoutly, uprightly, and blamelessly (2:10). The Thessalonians also knew that Paul had devoted himself to exhorting, encouraging, and imploring to live in a manner worthy of the God who had called them (2:11–12; cf. 4:7; 5:25; see also 1:4).

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