1 Thessalonians 2:4

Allowed. Gr. dokimazo (see on Rom. 2:18; Phil. 1:10), here used in the sense of being judged worthy or approved. At the end of this verse the same word (dokimazo) is used in another form and is rendered, “trieth.”

Put in trust. The apostles’ hearts had been judged, or tried, by God, and they were approved, or deemed fit, to be entrusted with the responsibility of presenting the gospel message. Paul considered this stewardship a sacred trust, a “treasure in earthen vessels” (2 Cor. 4:7). He preached with the consciousness that he was dealing with the message of God to men, a message that he was especially chosen of God to bear (Acts 9:15; 2 Cor. 3:5,6).

Not as pleasing men. The apostle was so intent on pleasing God that he discharged his trust with little regard for men’s opinions about him (see 1 Cor. 4:3, 4; Gal. 1:10). It is not that he failed to consider men’s feelings or prejudices, for he was careful not to offend needlessly (see 1 Cor. 9:19-23). But his objective was not to please men, and thus win them by guile, but rather to have the approbation of God, and to draw men to their Maker.

Trieth our hearts. See comment above on “allowed,” and cf. on Rom. 8:27.