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1 thessalonians 2:1-9

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1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

King James Version (KJV)

“In our prayers we talk to God, in our Bible study God talks to us, and we had better let God do most of the talking.”

— D.L. Moody

Scripture focus

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. 3. For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 4. But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. 5. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness: 6. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. 7. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8. So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

1 Thessalonians 2:1-9 — KJV

Commentary

Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:1

Theological / Devotional

For yourselves. Paul is here enlarging on the reasoning begun in ch. 1:5. Others had voluntarily testified to the phenomenal success of the work of Paul and his associates in Thessalonica (see on ch. 1:9), but the apostle now appeals at length to what the Thessalonians themselves recollected. Every minister of the gospel ought so to conduct himself that when slanderously attacked he is able to make a similar appeal to his people.

Entrance. That is, the evangelizing visit of Paul and his company (cf. Acts 17:1-4; 1 Thess. 1:9). The converts at Thessalonica knew better than any others what this missionary visit accomplished in their own lives.

In vain. Literally, “empty” (see on 1 Cor. 15:10). The Thessalonian believers were themselves proof of the truth of Paul’s claim.

By SdaBc