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).

The Background of 1 Thessalonians 2

There are two common explanations for the background of 1 Thessalonians 2. (1) Paul was presenting himself as a model of the Christian life worthy of imitation. (2) Paul was defending himself against critics at Thessalonica. The second explanation seems preferable since careful mirror reading, especially in vv. 1–12, reveal that Paul is defending his ministry. That being said, the identification of the critics or opponents is debated. Suggestions include pseudo-apostles, hostile Jews, spiritual enthusiasts, Gnostics, and Gentile idolaters. The lack of explicit evidence makes any specific view of the opponents somewhat tenuous.

1 Thessalonians 1:3–5: A Few Observations

Yesterday, I noted briefly the nature of Paul’s thanksgiving in 1 Thessalonians 1:2. Today, I want to offer a few observations about the rest of the thanksgiving, namely vv. 3–5. We begin by noting that a key component of Paul’s thanksgiving is his continual remembrance of the manifestation of Christian virtue (faith, love, hope) in the lives of the Thessalonians (v. 3; cf. 5:8). Another observation is the Trinitarian character of the thanksgiving with the Father and Son mentioned in v. 3 and the Holy Spirit noted in v. 5. A third observation is the soteriological character of the thanksgiving. We see election in v. 4, proclamation in v. 5a, and calling in v. 5b. Finally, one observes a foreshadowing element in the closing statement: “You know how we lived among you for your sake.” This previews the discussion of Paul’s ministry and character that will dominate chapter 2.

1 Thessalonians 1:2: Paul's Attitude of Gratitude

Paul's statement in 1 Thessalonians 1:2-5 provides a helpful model for Christian thanksgiving. We can note that his thanksgiving . . .

Was directed to God: “We give thanks to God”
Was continual: “always”
Was inclusive: “for all of you"
Was through prayer: “in our prayers”

Joseph Parker once prayed, "O Lord, increase our gratitude. May the rain of Thy love not be lost in the desert of our insensibility."

Helpful Thessalonians Commentaries

As I wind down a recent expositional study of the Thessalonian Epistles it might be helpful to identify some of the commentaries that I found most helpful. The following list is in alphabetical order and not necessarily in order of preference usefulness.

Bruce, F. F. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Word Biblical Commentary, ed. Ralph P. Martin. Waco: Word, 1982.

Hiebert, D. Edmond. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. Revised ed. Chicago: Moody, 1992.

Holmes, Michael W. 1 and 2 Thessalonians. NIV Application Commentary, ed. Terry Muck. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998.

Marshall, I. Howard. A Commentary on the Epistles to the Thessalonians. New Century Bible Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1982.

Morris, Leon. The First and Second Epistles to the Thessalonians. Revised ed. New International Commentary on the New Testament, ed. F. F. Bruce. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1991.

Witherington, Ben, III. 1 and 2 Thessalonians: A Socio-Rhetorical Commentary. Grand Rapids: Eerdmans; Carlisle: Paternoster, 2006.