2 Thessalonians 1 Commentary - Matthew Henry Commentary on the Whole In every city where the apostles went to preach the gospel the Jews stirred up the inhabitants against them. i. In chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy remind the community of the time they spent in their midst. 2. Thessalonica was also an important port and a melting pot city with cultures from all over the world. Poetical Books Nothing provoked them more than our Saviour's speaking to them at any time concerning this matter; this enraged the Jews at Jerusalem, when, in his defence, Paul told them, he was sent unto the Gentiles, Acts 22 21. The New Testament David Guzik :: 1 Corintios 7 Principios Sobre el Matrimonio y la Soltera, David Guzik :: Hechos 9 La Conversin de Saulo de Tarso, David Guzik :: Apocalipsis 20 Satans, el Pecado y la Muerte son Finalmente Eliminados, David Guzik :: Gnesis 3 La tentacin y cada del hombre, David Guzik :: 2 Samuel 22 El Salmo de Alabanza de David, Jehovah's Witnesses, Jesus and the Holy Trinity (Walter Martin), The Meaning of the Cross Part 2 (Elisabeth Elliot), Spiritism: Prophecy and Astrology (Walter Martin), 2 Thessalonians 1-3 (1982-85 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Genesis 2-3 (1979-82 Audio) (Chuck Smith), Intro. 2. Pentateuch Johannine Writings We fully respect if you want to refuse cookies but to avoid asking you again and again kindly allow us to store a cookie for that. That you have not perceived spiritual things is true; but it is no proof that there are none to perceive. Pentateuch i. In all probability, 1 Thessalonians is the earliest of Paul's epistles, particularly because it indicates that the memory. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. i. Paul did his endeavour, and he could do no more, v. 18. c. Even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi: Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his sufferings in the ministry. The word rendered conflict (agon) contains a metaphor drawn from the athletic games or the arena. II. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. c. Which also effectively works in you who believe: Pauls confidence in the word of God wasnt a matter of wishful thinking or blind faith. What is our great gospel dutythat we walk worthy of God, that the temper of our minds and tenour of our lives be answerable to this call and suitable to this privilege. He tells them they were involuntarily forced from them: We, brethren, were taken from you, v. 17. Pauline Epistles Some people like to say that there is a word of God, but that we cant be sure of what He says. We were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives: The sacrifices Paul endured for the sake of ministry to the Thessalonians were not a burden. Salvation is of the Jews, says our Saviour. The gospel of Christ is not accommodated to the fain fancies and lusts of men, to gratify their appetites and passions; but, on the contrary, it was designed for the mortifying of their corrupt affections, and delivering them from the power of fancy, that they might be brought under the power of faith. At the rapture, Christ will return for His people. i. Paul tried to make the Gospel as attractive as possible, but he never changed its central character or focus. 2. i. The Jews opposition to the work of the missionaries among the Gentiles was not due to the fact that they were seeking to win Gentiles. (5.) The Thessalonian Christians became imitators of those who had suffered before them. He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). Click to enable/disable Google Analytics tracking. Blue Letter Bible offers several daily devotional readings in order to help you refocus on Christ and the Gospel of His peace and righteousness. He was willing to run hazards, and venture his soul, or life, in preaching the gospel. Additionally, Paul and his associates were also persecuted. His coming was not empty or hollow, as if he were a mere salesman or marketer. This was necessary assurance because they were persecuted by religious people and might wonder if these other religious people were in fact right before God in their persecuting. Look to Jesus. Paul wanted people to look to Jesus, but he could also tell them to look at his life, because the power of Jesus was real in his life. Pauline Epistles Thomas on covetousness: Pleonexia is self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. For the sake of these things wrath has come upon them to the uttermost; that is, wrath was determined against them, and would soon overtake them. (6.) This, no doubt, was matter of the greatest comfort to the apostlethe consciousness of his own sincerity; and was one reason of his success. Paul assured the Thessalonians that he desired to be with them, but he was hindered by Satan, and that this happened time and again. These are the two sources from which stems the corruption of the whole of the ministry. (Calvin), iv. There can be no doubt that there was some worthy and particular motive which induced him to refrain from claiming his rights, for in other churches he exercised the privilege accorded to him as the others had done. (Calvin). Pentateuch First, Paul understood that this was Satanic hindrance. Such behaviour greatly recommends religion, and is most agreeable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. Those are greatly to blame who give out their own fancies or injunctions for the word of God. We did not seek mens honour, high esteem, or applause; we sought them not in the inward bent of our thoughts, or the studies of our mind, not in outward course of our ministry and conversation, to form them so as to gain glory from men. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Paul exhorted the Thessalonians, not only informing them in their duty, but exciting and quickening them to the performance of it, by proper motives and arguments. Honour is to follow men, men not to follow it. (Poole). They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. a. (1 Thessalonians 2:1-2) The integrity of Pauls ministry in Thessalonica. Nor was it of uncleanness. c. And they do not please God and are contrary to all men: Paul also comforted the Thessalonian Christians with the awareness that they were right, that they are the ones pleasing God. There were also the Jewish people and the God-fearing Gentiles. He mentions their faithful discharge of the work and office of the ministry, v. 11, 12. General Epistles This exclusive attitude filled up the measure of their sins. They serve an enormously valuable purpose, but they sometimes create an artificial break in the text that hinders, The Jews opposition to the work of the missionaries among the Gentiles was not due to the fact that they were seeking to win Gentiles. d. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Their behaviour was holy towards God, just towards all men, and unblamable, without giving cause of scandal or offence; and they were careful to give no offence either to those who were without, or to those who believed, that they might give no ill example; that their preaching and living might be all of a piece. The Blue Letter Bible ministry and the BLB Institute hold to the historical, The Old Testament We did not seek mens honour, high esteem, or applause; we sought them not in the inward bent of our thoughts, or the studies of our mind, not in outward course of our ministry and conversation, to form them so as to gain glory from men. Or do ye enter into the priesthood for a morsel of bread, or for what is ominously and impiously called a living, a benefice? Is God witness that, in all these things, ye have no cloak of covetousness? But wo to that man who enters into the labour for the sake of the hire! 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. iii. a. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe: It is impressive that Paul could freely appeal to his own life as an example. The manner of this apostle's exhortation ought to be regarded by ministers in particular for their imitation, and the matter of it is greatly to be regarded by them and all others; namely, that they would walk worthy of God, who hath called them to his kingdom and glory, v. 12. If he couldnt be there in person, his letter will go for him and teach and encourage them in his absence. b. He spared no pains therein. Commentators divide as to if the uncleanness Paul defended himself against in 1 Thessalonians 2:3 was uncleanness of spirit or uncleanness of the flesh. There can be no doubt that there was some worthy and particular motive which induced him to refrain from claiming his rights, for in other churches he exercised the privilege accorded to him as the others had done. (Calvin). Here observe, I. He mentions the gentleness of their behaviour: We were gentle among you, v. 7. Note, Satan is a constant enemy to the work of God, and does all he can to obstruct it. 17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire. (1-2) The integrity of Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. i. Note, It is a great comfort to a minister to have his own conscience and the consciences of others witnessing for him that he set out well, with good designs and from good principles; and that his preaching was not in vain, or, as some read it, was not fain. But also our own lives: Pauls preaching was effective because he gave not only the Gospel, but himself as well (also our own lives), and he gave because of love (you had become dear to us). This gentleness and goodness the apostle expressed several ways. Paul never compromised issues like mans need, Gods Savior, the cross, the resurrection, and the new life. Their persecuting spirit was a perverse spirit; contrary to the light of nature, and contrary to humanity, contrary to the welfare of all men, and contrary to the sentiments of all men not under the power of bigotry. The context seems to suggest more of a uncleanness of motive or spirit, while the word itself more indicates moral and especially sexual uncleanness (it often appears in lists with the term fornication). Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: Verse 10. His satisfaction came from his relationship with Jesus, not from the praise of people. 1 Thessalonians 2 Bible Commentary - Matthew Henry (concise) b. 4. If you refuse cookies we will remove all set cookies in our domain. ( 2 Thessalonians 1:8-10) The coming day of judgment for both the persecuted and their persecutors. For you are our glory and joy. , having suffered before) that which might have deterred others from preaching. Note, Ministers have a great favour shown them, and honour put upon them, and trust committed to them. iii. No, he was far from this; nor did he flatter men in their sins; nor tell them, if they would be of his party, they might live as they listed. He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. The gospel calls us into the kingdom and state of grace here and unto the kingdom and state of glory hereafter, to heaven and happiness as our end and to holiness as the way to that end. ii. By bodily labour to prevent their charge, or that his ministry might not be expensive and burdensome to them: You remember our labour and travail; for, labouring night and day, etc., v. 9. The plural sins points to the aggregate of their separate evil acts, and not to the general abstract concept of sin. (Morris). He tells them that they might have used greater authority as apostles, and expected greater esteem, and demanded maintenance, which is meant by the phrase of being burdensome, because perhaps some would have thought this too great a burden for them to bear. Historical Books b. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? As we have been approved by God: Paul used a word here that was associated with approving someone as being fit for public service. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. Your partnership makes all we do possible. Such was the word the apostles preached by divine inspiration, and such is that which is left upon record, written in the scriptures by divine inspiration; and such is that word which in our days is preached, being either contained, or evidently founded on, or deduced from, these sacred oracles. Pauls statement of defense falls into two parts, a negative and a positive It is his practice first to sweep away the false, and then with the ground cleared to set forth the positive presentation of the truth. (Hiebert). PDF 1 THESSALONIANS 2 THESSALONIANS - J. Vernon McGee Paul means by the phrase, night and day, that he started work before dawn; the usage is regular and frequent. i. Paul didnt seek glory from men because his needs for security and acceptance were met primarily in Jesus. This is the kind of life that draws others to follow Jesus for themselves. Note that blocking some types of cookies may impact your experience on our websites and the services we are able to offer. But also our own lives: Pauls preaching was effective because he gave not only the Gospel, but himself as well (also our own lives), and he gave because of love (you had become dear to us). ii. Every man who preaches the Gospel should carefully read this chapter and examine himself by it. We provide you with a list of stored cookies on your computer in our domain so you can check what we stored. Though he was absent in body, yet he was present in heart. 2 Thessalonians appears to have been written shortly after 1 Thessalonians. 19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Third, Paul was committed to fight against the roadblock any way he could. Luke-Acts (4.) Prophets Look to Jesus. Paul wanted people to look to Jesus, but he could also tell them to look at his life, because the power of Jesus was real in his life. d. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins: Here Paul revealed what offended the religious persecutors of the Thessalonians so much. Free shipping for many products! 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4 AV 1873 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. The city of Thessalonica sat on the Egnatian Way, the famous highway that went east to west through Macedonia. c. Even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts: Paul knew his Gospel wouldnt always please men, but he knew that it was pleasing to God. They were outraged that Gentiles could be saved without first becoming Jews. You always can block or delete cookies by changing your browser settings and force blocking all cookies on this website. By the manner of their receiving the word of God: When you received the word of God, which you heard of us, you received it, not as the word of men, but (as it is in truth) the word of God. (3.) Upon this occasion, the apostle gives a character of the unbelieving Jews (v. 15), enough to justify their final rejection and the ruin of their place, and church, and nation, which was now approaching. i. He is very much part of them, and he sorrows for their fate. (Morris). b. Their fierce opposition was due to the fact that Christian missionaries offered salvation to Gentiles without demanding that they first become Jews. (Hiebert), ii. (1 Thessalonians 2:6-7) Pauls gentle, humble attitude among the Thessalonians demonstrated his motives were pure. i. The apostle not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences thereof. These are expressions of great and endeared affection, and high estimation. Minor Prophets 5 26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, John 5 44. When you received the word of God: Paul earnestly believed and taught others that God had spoken to man and that we have recorded this word of God. 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 - Sermon Writer This attitude includes both boldness and confidence. (Morris), ii. The word of man isnt worth suffering for, but a true message from God is worth it. Second, Paul had faith. Acts 20:1-5 describes Pauls eventual return to Thessalonica and to other churches in the area. When we might have made demands as apostles of Christ: Paul was among the Thessalonians to give something to them, not to take something from them. The force of this is that Christianity is not just another religion. David Guzik :: Study Guide for 1 Thessalonians 2 Or do ye enter into the priesthood for a morsel of bread, or for what is ominously and impiously called a living, a benefice? Is God witness that, in all these things, ye have no cloak of covetousness? But wo to that man who enters into the labour for the sake of the hire! i. First Thessalonians provides Christians with the clearest biblical passage on the coming rapture of believers, an event that will inaugurate the seven-year tribulation. And where the word is believed and received as the word of God, there it has this energy, or worketh effectually, so as to promote love, repentance, self-denial, mortification, comfort, and peace. (Poole). Such was the rage of his persecutors. 1 Thessalonians 2:11 - Bible Hub He no doubt began so early in order to be able to devote some part of the day to preaching. (Moffatt quoting Ramsay), ii. d. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness: Paul understood that covetousness always has a cloak. He and his fellow-labourers preached Christ and him crucified, and did not aim to gain an interest in men's affections for themselves, by glorying, and fawning and wheedling them. Gods Word works, it doesnt only bring information or produce feelings. ii. ii. i. 1. Since we do have this word of God, we have a true voice of authority. (2.) i. Their design was to please God and not men. Away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face: Paul knew that the Thessalonians appreciated the comfort he gave, but they wondered why he didnt come and bring this comfort in person. That their faith grew exceedingly, v. 3. In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them, ver 1-6. Pauline Epistles 1 Thessalonians Chapter 2 Kjv - King James Bible Online If we can not know what God has spoken, then He may as well not have spoken at all. We should not only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. When Satan saw the great work God did through these letters, he regretted that he ever hindered Paul at all. The whole case is like that of the Irishman who tried to upset evidence by non-evidence. It was not many years after this that Jerusalem was destroyed, and the Jewish nation cut off by the Romans. But Paul knew well that the Jews of Judea were not the only ones responsible for the murder of Jesus. He showed the kindness and care of a nurse that cherishes her children. But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Can ye call God to witness that in preaching it ye have no end in view by your ministry but his glory in the salvation of souls? They acted under the consideration of God's omniscience, as in the sight of him who tries our hearts. You welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God: The Thessalonians received the word of God as it is in truth. So, if forty people declare that there is no power of the Holy Ghost going with the word, this only proves that the forty people do not know what others do know. (Spurgeon). (4.) His inability to visit should never be taken as a lack of love towards the Thessalonians. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.

Sioux County Sheriff Arrests, Best French Bulldog Breeders New Jersey, Republic Services Employee Workday, Mecu Pavilion Covid Restrictions, Articles OTHER