1 Thessalonians 2 - Printer Friendly

In this chapter Paul recalls his ministry at Thessalonica. He had been maltreated at Philippi, but his suffering did not deter him from moving on to Thessalonica and declaring the gospel there. His willingness to suffer in order to share the gospel showed he wasn't motivated by money or self-glory. God had entrusted him with the gospel, and he had been true to that trust. His message was truly from God. His motives for preaching the gospel were pure. And his ministry was genuine. He testifies that the Thessalonian Christians had become "very dear to us" (1 Thessalonians 2:1–8).

Just as a mother gently cares for her children, so Paul was gentle among the Thessalonian believers. He would not be a burden to them, but provided for his own needs. Most likely, Paul did this by working part-time as a tentmaker (Acts 18:3), much as many modern evangelists need to work in some kind of secular field in order to support their ministry work. The Thessalonians could see that Paul was a righteous servant of God, and just as a responsible father encourages and instructs his children, so Paul acted as a father on behalf of the believers at Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 2:9–12).

Paul thanks God for the Thessalonians, because they had responded positively to the Word of God, and the Word had produced fruit in their lives. They had become like the Judean believers by withstanding persecution. Paul assures his readers that those who oppose the gospel are objects of God's wrath. He explains that he wanted to return to Thessalonica, but Satan hindered him from doing so. He calls the Christians at Thessalonica his glory and joy (1 Thessalonians 2:13–20).

First Thessalonians 2:1–8 recalls Paul's brief three-Sabbaths visit to Thessalonica (Acts 17:2). He had served the Lord there honorably in the face of strong opposition. His message at Thessalonica was the pure gospel of God, and the Thessalonian believers had witnessed his holy, righteous, and blameless conduct. Here, Paul testifies that his intent was only to please God, not men, and that he strove to care for the Thessalonian believers as a mother would care for a child.

First Thessalonians 2:9–12 is Paul's call for the Christians at Thessalonica to recall how he and his coworkers had conducted themselves. He describes how hard they had labored to support themselves, so they would not be a burden to the Thessalonians. He also calls on his readers to remember the godly lifestyle they led at Thessalonica while they shared the gospel. No one could accuse them of any wrongdoing. Like a loving father, they had encouraged and instructed the believers to lead a life that honored God, who had called them into His kingdom and glory.

First Thessalonians 2:13–16 explains why Paul gives thanks for the Christians at Thessalonica. They had responded positively to the Word of God, and the Word had produced fruit in their lives. They had become like the Judean believers by withstanding persecution. Paul assures his readers that those who oppose the gospel are objects of God's wrath.

First Thessalonians 2:17–20 recalls how Paul had been chased out of Thessalonica, but he strongly wanted to return and see the Thessalonian Christians again. Repeatedly, he desired to return to Thessalonica, but was unable to do so. The Christians at Thessalonica meant so much to Paul that he anticipated greeting Christ at His coming with the blessing of knowing he had won these believers to Christ. They were his glory and joy.

Paul begins to flesh out the general ideas he mentioned in chapter 1. Here in chapters 2 and 3, he further explains how he came to preach to the Thessalonian people. Paul particularly notes that his good conduct, proving his unselfish motivations, was instrumental in his success. The warm response of the people also endeared them to Paul, making him long to visit them again. Unfortunately, Paul was prevented from doing so, a struggle he attributes to Satan. Paul once again expresses his gratitude for the Thessalonian Christians' ability to honor God despite persecution.

Chapter 1 briefly introduced the relationship between Paul and the Christians at Thessalonica. This introduction is expanded in chapter 2, where Paul gives additional details about how he came to preach there, why he left, and what he has heard of their spiritual progress. Chapter 3 will round out this glowing report with a reference to a visit from Paul's friend and student, Timothy.

The apostle Paul's second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul's message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord's return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers' spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ's impending return.