(Chapter 2)
In chapter 1, we have had the need of the Christian worker being sure that the new convert whom he seeks to help is indeed a real believer. Now in chapter 2, we have the need of the new convert being sure that the Christian worker who reaches out to him is genuine. And, not merely that the Christian worker is sincere in his motives, but that he or she is one who knows the truth and can point him in the right direction. This is important because there are many who mean well, but sadly, are ensconced in bad doctrine and unscriptural ecclesiology, and thus, they are likely to lead the new convert in a wrong direction. There are also others in the Christian profession who are outright charlatan preachers who prey on new converts for selfish and fleshly reasons (Acts 20:3030Also of your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw away disciples after them. (Acts 20:30); Rom. 16:17-1817Now I beseech you, brethren, mark them which cause divisions and offences contrary to the doctrine which ye have learned; and avoid them. 18For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple. (Romans 16:17‑18); 2 Cor. 2:17; 11:12-15; 217For we are not as many, which corrupt the word of God: but as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God speak we in Christ. (2 Corinthians 2:17)
12But what I do, that I will do, that I may cut off occasion from them which desire occasion; that wherein they glory, they may be found even as we. 13For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:12‑15)
12Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened unto me of the Lord, 13I had no rest in my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went from thence into Macedonia. 14Now thanks be unto God, which always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savor of his knowledge by us in every place. 15For we are unto God a sweet savor of Christ, in them that are saved, and in them that perish: (2 Corinthians 2:12‑15) Tim. 2:16-18; 1 John 2:18-19, 26; 218Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time. 19They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us. (1 John 2:18‑19)
26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (1 John 2:26)
26These things have I written unto you concerning them that seduce you. (1 John 2:26) John 7-1117If any man will do his will, he shall know of the doctrine, whether it be of God, or whether I speak of myself. 18He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. 19Did not Moses give you the law, and yet none of you keepeth the law? Why go ye about to kill me? 20The people answered and said, Thou hast a devil: who goeth about to kill thee? 21Jesus answered and said unto them, I have done one work, and ye all marvel. 22Moses therefore gave unto you circumcision; (not because it is of Moses, but of the fathers;) and ye on the sabbath day circumcise a man. 23If a man on the sabbath day receive circumcision, that the law of Moses should not be broken; are ye angry at me, because I have made a man every whit whole on the sabbath day? 24Judge not according to the appearance, but judge righteous judgment. 25Then said some of them of Jerusalem, Is not this he, whom they seek to kill? 26But, lo, he speaketh boldly, and they say nothing unto him. Do the rulers know indeed that this is the very Christ? 27Howbeit we know this man whence he is: but when Christ cometh, no man knoweth whence he is. 28Then cried Jesus in the temple as he taught, saying, Ye both know me, and ye know whence I am: and I am not come of myself, but he that sent me is true, whom ye know not. 29But I know him: for I am from him, and he hath sent me. 30Then they sought to take him: but no man laid hands on him, because his hour was not yet come. 31And many of the people believed on him, and said, When Christ cometh, will he do more miracles than these which this man hath done? 32The Pharisees heard that the people murmured such things concerning him; and the Pharisees and the chief priests sent officers to take him. 33Then said Jesus unto them, Yet a little while am I with you, and then I go unto him that sent me. 34Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come. 35Then said the Jews among themselves, Whither will he go, that we shall not find him? will he go unto the dispersed among the Gentiles, and teach the Gentiles? 36What manner of saying is this that he said, Ye shall seek me, and shall not find me: and where I am, thither ye cannot come? 37In the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried, saying, If any man thirst, let him come unto me, and drink. 38He that believeth on me, as the scripture hath said, out of his belly shall flow rivers of living water. 39(But this spake he of the Spirit, which they that believe on him should receive: for the Holy Ghost was not yet given; because that Jesus was not yet glorified.) 40Many of the people therefore, when they heard this saying, said, Of a truth this is the Prophet. 41Others said, This is the Christ. But some said, Shall Christ come out of Galilee? 42Hath not the scripture said, That Christ cometh of the seed of David, and out of the town of Bethlehem, where David was? 43So there was a division among the people because of him. 44And some of them would have taken him; but no man laid hands on him. 45Then came the officers to the chief priests and Pharisees; and they said unto them, Why have ye not brought him? 46The officers answered, Never man spake like this man. 47Then answered them the Pharisees, Are ye also deceived? 48Have any of the rulers or of the Pharisees believed on him? 49But this people who knoweth not the law are cursed. 50Nicodemus saith unto them, (he that came to Jesus by night, being one of them,) 51Doth our law judge any man, before it hear him, and know what he doeth? 52They answered and said unto him, Art thou also of Galilee? Search, and look: for out of Galilee ariseth no prophet. 53And every man went unto his own house. 1Jesus went unto the mount of Olives. 2And early in the morning he came again into the temple, and all the people came unto him; and he sat down, and taught them. 3And the scribes and Pharisees brought unto him a woman taken in adultery; and when they had set her in the midst, 4They say unto him, Master, this woman was taken in adultery, in the very act. 5Now Moses in the law commanded us, that such should be stoned: but what sayest thou? 6This they said, tempting him, that they might have to accuse him. But Jesus stooped down, and with his finger wrote on the ground, as though he heard them not. 7So when they continued asking him, he lifted up himself, and said unto them, He that is without sin among you, let him first cast a stone at her. 8And again he stooped down, and wrote on the ground. 9And they which heard it, being convicted by their own conscience, went out one by one, beginning at the eldest, even unto the last: and Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. 10When Jesus had lifted up himself, and saw none but the woman, he said unto her, Woman, where are those thine accusers? hath no man condemned thee? 11She said, No man, Lord. And Jesus said unto her, Neither do I condemn thee: go, and sin no more. 12Then spake Jesus again unto them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. 13The Pharisees therefore said unto him, Thou bearest record of thyself; thy record is not true. 14Jesus answered and said unto them, Though I bear record of myself, yet my record is true: for I know whence I came, and whither I go; but ye cannot tell whence I come, and whither I go. 15Ye judge after the flesh; I judge no man. 16And yet if I judge, my judgment is true: for I am not alone, but I and the Father that sent me. 17It is also written in your law, that the testimony of two men is true. 18I am one that bear witness of myself, and the Father that sent me beareth witness of me. 19Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also. 20These words spake Jesus in the treasury, as he taught in the temple: and no man laid hands on him; for his hour was not yet come. 21Then said Jesus again unto them, I go my way, and ye shall seek me, and shall die in your sins: whither I go, ye cannot come. 22Then said the Jews, Will he kill himself? because he saith, Whither I go, ye cannot come. 23And he said unto them, Ye are from beneath; I am from above: ye are of this world; I am not of this world. 24I said therefore unto you, that ye shall die in your sins: for if ye believe not that I am he, ye shall die in your sins. 25Then said they unto him, Who art thou? And Jesus saith unto them, Even the same that I said unto you from the beginning. 26I have many things to say and to judge of you: but he that sent me is true; and I speak to the world those things which I have heard of him. 27They understood not that he spake to them of the Father. 28Then said Jesus unto them, When ye have lifted up the Son of man, then shall ye know that I am he, and that I do nothing of myself; but as my Father hath taught me, I speak these things. 29And he that sent me is with me: the Father hath not left me alone; for I do always those things that please him. 30As he spake these words, many believed on him. 31Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; 32And ye shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free. 33They answered him, We be Abraham's seed, and were never in bondage to any man: how sayest thou, Ye shall be made free? 34Jesus answered them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Whosoever committeth sin is the servant of sin. 35And the servant abideth not in the house for ever: but the Son abideth ever. 36If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed. 37I know that ye are Abraham's seed; but ye seek to kill me, because my word hath no place in you. 38I speak that which I have seen with my Father: and ye do that which ye have seen with your father. 39They answered and said unto him, Abraham is our father. Jesus saith unto them, If ye were Abraham's children, ye would do the works of Abraham. 40But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham. 41Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God. 42Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me. 43Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word. 44Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it. 45And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not. 46Which of you convinceth me of sin? And if I say the truth, why do ye not believe me? 47He that is of God heareth God's words: ye therefore hear them not, because ye are not of God. 48Then answered the Jews, and said unto him, Say we not well that thou art a Samaritan, and hast a devil? 49Jesus answered, I have not a devil; but I honor my Father, and ye do dishonor me. 50And I seek not mine own glory: there is one that seeketh and judgeth. 51Verily, verily, I say unto you, If a man keep my saying, he shall never see death. 52Then said the Jews unto him, Now we know that thou hast a devil. Abraham is dead, and the prophets; and thou sayest, If a man keep my saying, he shall never taste of death. 53Art thou greater than our father Abraham, which is dead? and the prophets are dead: whom makest thou thyself? 54Jesus answered, If I honor myself, my honor is nothing: it is my Father that honoreth me; of whom ye say, that he is your God: 55Yet ye have not known him; but I know him: and if I should say, I know him not, I shall be a liar like unto you: but I know him, and keep his saying. 56Your father Abraham rejoiced to see my day: and he saw it, and was glad. 57Then said the Jews unto him, Thou art not yet fifty years old, and hast thou seen Abraham? 58Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am. 59Then took they up stones to cast at him: but Jesus hid himself, and went out of the temple, going through the midst of them, and so passed by. 1And as Jesus passed by, he saw a man which was blind from his birth. 2And his disciples asked him, saying, Master, who did sin, this man, or his parents, that he was born blind? 3Jesus answered, Neither hath this man sinned, nor his parents: but that the works of God should be made manifest in him. 4I must work the works of him that sent me, while it is day: the night cometh, when no man can work. 5As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. 6When he had thus spoken, he spat on the ground, and made clay of the spittle, and he anointed the eyes of the blind man with the clay, 7And said unto him, Go, wash in the pool of Siloam, (which is by interpretation, Sent.) He went his way therefore, and washed, and came seeing. 8The neighbors therefore, and they which before had seen him that he was blind, said, Is not this he that sat and begged? 9Some said, This is he: others said, He is like him: but he said, I am he. 10Therefore said they unto him, How were thine eyes opened? 11He answered and said, A man that is called Jesus made clay, and anointed mine eyes, and said unto me, Go to the pool of Siloam, and wash: and I went and washed, and I received sight. 12Then said they unto him, Where is he? He said, I know not. 13They brought to the Pharisees him that aforetime was blind. 14And it was the sabbath day when Jesus made the clay, and opened his eyes. 15Then again the Pharisees also asked him how he had received his sight. He said unto them, He put clay upon mine eyes, and I washed, and do see. 16Therefore said some of the Pharisees, This man is not of God, because he keepeth not the sabbath day. Others said, How can a man that is a sinner do such miracles? And there was a division among them. 17They say unto the blind man again, What sayest thou of him, that he hath opened thine eyes? He said, He is a prophet. 18But the Jews did not believe concerning him, that he had been blind, and received his sight, until they called the parents of him that had received his sight. 19And they asked them, saying, Is this your son, who ye say was born blind? how then doth he now see? 20His parents answered them and said, We know that this is our son, and that he was born blind: 21But by what means he now seeth, we know not; or who hath opened his eyes, we know not: he is of age; ask him: he shall speak for himself. 22These words spake his parents, because they feared the Jews: for the Jews had agreed already, that if any man did confess that he was Christ, he should be put out of the synagogue. 23Therefore said his parents, He is of age; ask him. 24Then again called they the man that was blind, and said unto him, Give God the praise: we know that this man is a sinner. 25He answered and said, Whether he be a sinner or no, I know not: one thing I know, that, whereas I was blind, now I see. 26Then said they to him again, What did he to thee? how opened he thine eyes? 27He answered them, I have told you already, and ye did not hear: wherefore would ye hear it again? will ye also be his disciples? 28Then they reviled him, and said, Thou art his disciple; but we are Moses' disciples. 29We know that God spake unto Moses: as for this fellow, we know not from whence he is. 30The man answered and said unto them, Why herein is a marvellous thing, that ye know not from whence he is, and yet he hath opened mine eyes. 31Now we know that God heareth not sinners: but if any man be a worshipper of God, and doeth his will, him he heareth. 32Since the world began was it not heard that any man opened the eyes of one that was born blind. 33If this man were not of God, he could do nothing. 34They answered and said unto him, Thou wast altogether born in sins, and dost thou teach us? And they cast him out. 35Jesus heard that they had cast him out; and when he had found him, he said unto him, Dost thou believe on the Son of God? 36He answered and said, Who is he, Lord, that I might believe on him? 37And Jesus said unto him, Thou hast both seen him, and it is he that talketh with thee. 38And he said, Lord, I believe. And he worshipped him. 39And Jesus said, For judgment I am come into this world, that they which see not might see; and that they which see might be made blind. 40And some of the Pharisees which were with him heard these words, and said unto him, Are we blind also? 41Jesus said unto them, If ye were blind, ye should have no sin: but now ye say, We see; therefore your sin remaineth. 1Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that entereth not by the door into the sheepfold, but climbeth up some other way, the same is a thief and a robber. 2But he that entereth in by the door is the shepherd of the sheep. 3To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. 4And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. 5And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. 6This parable spake Jesus unto them: but they understood not what things they were which he spake unto them. 7Then said Jesus unto them again, Verily, verily, I say unto you, I am the door of the sheep. 8All that ever came before me are thieves and robbers: but the sheep did not hear them. 9I am the door: by me if any man enter in, he shall be saved, and shall go in and out, and find pasture. 10The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. 11I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep. 12But he that is an hireling, and not the shepherd, whose own the sheep are not, seeth the wolf coming, and leaveth the sheep, and fleeth: and the wolf catcheth them, and scattereth the sheep. 13The hireling fleeth, because he is an hireling, and careth not for the sheep. 14I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. 15As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. 16And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. 17Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. 18No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father. 19There was a division therefore again among the Jews for these sayings. 20And many of them said, He hath a devil, and is mad; why hear ye him? 21Others said, These are not the words of him that hath a devil. Can a devil open the eyes of the blind? 22And it was at Jerusalem the feast of the dedication, and it was winter. 23And Jesus walked in the temple in Solomon's porch. 24Then came the Jews round about him, and said unto him, How long dost thou make us to doubt? If thou be the Christ, tell us plainly. 25Jesus answered them, I told you, and ye believed not: the works that I do in my Father's name, they bear witness of me. 26But ye believe not, because ye are not of my sheep, as I said unto you. 27My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: 28And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. 29My Father, which gave them me, is greater than all; and no man is able to pluck them out of my Father's hand. 30I and my Father are one. 31Then the Jews took up stones again to stone him. 32Jesus answered them, Many good works have I showed you from my Father; for which of those works do ye stone me? 33The Jews answered him, saying, For a good work we stone thee not; but for blasphemy; and because that thou, being a man, makest thyself God. 34Jesus answered them, Is it not written in your law, I said, Ye are gods? 35If he called them gods, unto whom the word of God came, and the scripture cannot be broken; 36Say ye of him, whom the Father hath sanctified, and sent into the world, Thou blasphemest; because I said, I am the Son of God? 37If I do not the works of my Father, believe me not. 38But if I do, though ye believe not me, believe the works: that ye may know, and believe, that the Father is in me, and I in him. 39Therefore they sought again to take him: but he escaped out of their hand, 40And went away again beyond Jordan into the place where John at first baptized; and there he abode. 41And many resorted unto him, and said, John did no miracle: but all things that John spake of this man were true. 42And many believed on him there. 1Now a certain man was sick, named Lazarus, of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2(It was that Mary which anointed the Lord with ointment, and wiped his feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick.) 3Therefore his sisters sent unto him, saying, Lord, behold, he whom thou lovest is sick. 4When Jesus heard that, he said, This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby. 5Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus. 6When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was. 7Then after that saith he to his disciples, Let us go into Judea again. 8His disciples say unto him, Master, the Jews of late sought to stone thee; and goest thou thither again? 9Jesus answered, Are there not twelve hours in the day? If any man walk in the day, he stumbleth not, because he seeth the light of this world. 10But if a man walk in the night, he stumbleth, because there is no light in him. 11These things said he: and after that he saith unto them, Our friend Lazarus sleepeth; but I go, that I may awake him out of sleep. 12Then said his disciples, Lord, if he sleep, he shall do well. 13Howbeit Jesus spake of his death: but they thought that he had spoken of taking of rest in sleep. 14Then said Jesus unto them plainly, Lazarus is dead. 15And I am glad for your sakes that I was not there, to the intent ye may believe; nevertheless let us go unto him. 16Then said Thomas, which is called Didymus, unto his fellowdisciples, Let us also go, that we may die with him. 17Then when Jesus came, he found that he had lain in the grave four days already. 18Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: (John 7:17‑11:18)). Obviously, the new believer needs to stay away from such persons.
Since these dangers are present almost everywhere in Christendom, a fair question to ask is: “How can a new believer be sure that the Christian worker who shows an interest in him is legitimate?” Paul addresses this question in this second chapter where the Christian worker is seen proving himself. He must clearly show from the Word of God that he is bringing the truth, and he must also clearly demonstrate that he has a genuine care and concern for the good of those he seeks to help––and through these things gain their confidence. This will take time. Since even the newest believer has the “unction” of the Spirit through the Spirit’s indwelling presence (1 John 2:20, 2720But ye have an unction from the Holy One, and ye know all things. (1 John 2:20)
27But the anointing which ye have received of him abideth in you, and ye need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teacheth you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it hath taught you, ye shall abide in him. (1 John 2:27)), he will have the discernment to know (if he is in communion) whether something he is being taught is the truth or not. Being a babe in Christ, he will not be able to explain the truth because he has not yet learned it, but he will know the truth when it is presented. Conversely, error will not have the same “ring” of truth to it, by which he will know that it is not from God. A new Christian in Christianity today, where the house of God is in ruins (2 Tim. 2:2020But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honor, and some to dishonor. (2 Timothy 2:20)), has every right to be cautious about receiving instruction from someone.
Paul’s remarks, in chapter 2, are calculated to strengthen the confidence of the Thessalonians and to give them every reason to rest assured that he and his fellow workers were truly sent of God to help them. They were most definitely not seeking the Thessalonians for ulterior reasons, and thus, they could be looked to with confidence as being genuine Christian leaders and role-models.
The circumstances which led Paul to give the following review of the genuineness of his character, and of the principles involved in his service for the Lord, were because the enemies of the gospel were intent upon destroying the work that he had started in Thessalonica. Their strategy was to blacken the character of the principle labourer of that work. Hence, they made him the object of their accusations. This opposition to the gospel, apparently, had been reported to Paul by Timothy when he returned from Thessalonica (chap. 3:6). The attack, of course, was intended to shake the confidence of these new converts in Thessalonica and cause questions to arise among them concerning Paul. In this second chapter, he meets this attack, and what follows is a lengthy vindication of his character and ministry. In doing so, he gives us an exquisite picture of what a genuine servant of the Lord ought to be––both in word and in deed. The Spirit of God uses it to set before us what a new convert should see in those who seek to shepherd him in the path of faith.
Paul proceeds to give an outline of his actions from his very first “entrance” in among them.
The Power of His Ministry
Vs. 1—He says, “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain.” That is, the mission of Paul and his company to reach the Thessalonians with the gospel had not been a failure. The power of God was evident in their ministry and the proof of it was that the Thessalonians had been saved by it! Deep radical changes had been effected in their lives through Paul’s preaching, and thus, they were the living evidence of its power. If any were to ask about his ministry, they, better than anyone, could testify of its reality and effectiveness. This was a convincing proof that he and his fellow workers had been sent of God and were endorsed by God.
The Price He Paid to Carry the Gospel to the Thessalonians
Vs. 2—Paul reminds them of the intense persecution that came against him and his fellow workers when they were “at Philippi”—which included being beaten and being imprisoned. Thus, their mission to reach the Thessalonians was exceedingly dangerous. Their lives were in constant jeopardy (Acts 15:2626Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ. (Acts 15:26)), but it didn’t deter them. They battled through various dangers to bring the gospel to Thessalonica. Risking oneself in this way is definitely not the sign of a sham minister with ulterior motives. All such, usually look for something more commodious and easy. If Paul and his workers had not been sent of God on this mission, they surely would have found some other place to preach. The fact that it didn’t deter them is clear evidence that they were not motivated by fleshly desires and worldly gain; and thus, their mission was truly from God.
The Purity of His Motives
Vss. 3-6—Paul proceeds to speak of the manner in which he and his fellow workers approached the Thessalonians. He lists seven negative things that they shunned in their ministry:
• “Not of error” (vs. 3a – W. Kelly Trans.)—First and foremost, their message was the truth of God; it was not some myth or fable fabricated by cunning men. This shows that they paid attention to doctrinal accuracy.
• “Nor of uncleanness” (vs. 3b)—Their ministry had no impure desires attached to it.
• “Nor in guile” (vs. 3c)—They had no clever plot to draw the Thessalonians after themselves, and thus, to create a personal following.
• “Not as pleasing men” (vs. 4)—Paul saw himself as a steward “approved of God” and “entrusted” by God to carry the message of the gospel to the world (1 Cor. 9:1717For if I do this thing willingly, I have a reward: but if against my will, a dispensation of the gospel is committed unto me. (1 Corinthians 9:17)). Having such a responsibility, he didn’t dare to stoop to ulterior motives in his labours. He knew that he served under the watchful eye of “God which trieth [tests]” the “hearts” of all men, and any such false motive would be detected by His omniscience (1 Sam. 2:33Talk no more so exceeding proudly; let not arrogancy come out of your mouth: for the Lord is a God of knowledge, and by him actions are weighed. (1 Samuel 2:3)), and he would be rebuked for it.
• Not with “flattering words” (vs. 5a)—Their preaching among the Thessalonians did not use flattery to achieve results. It was not aimed at ministering to the ego of man to win them by fleshly means. The gospel that Paul preached is not the kind of a message that man in the flesh would invent because it makes nothing of man. To believe and receive the gospel requires humbling oneself in repentance; it is anything but flattering.
• “Nor a cloak [pretext] of covetousness” (vs. 5b)—They did not preach with a view to gaining something out of it for themselves––i.e. money. Paul was so sincere about this that he called on “God” to bear “witness” of the integrity of his heart in this matter. Thus, they refrained from taking any financial support from them; although, as “apostles of Christ,” they were perfectly entitled to it (1 Cor. 9:12; 112If others be partakers of this power over you, are not we rather? Nevertheless we have not used this power; but suffer all things, lest we should hinder the gospel of Christ. (1 Corinthians 9:12)
12Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. (1 Corinthians 1:12) Tim. 5:18).
• “Nor of men” seeking “glory” (vs. 6)—They were so far from wanting “glory from men” that they refrained from anything that savored of that character. They sought neither fame nor fortune from the Thessalonians.
Thus, Paul and his fellow workmen carefully avoided fleshly and worldly principles in their service. God would not have blessed their work had their motives been corrupt.
His Genuine Love & Care for the Saints
Vss. 7-8—As another proof of their genuineness, Paul speaks of their love for the Thessalonians. This was evident in that they devoted themselves to their care and were “gentle” with them as “a nurse would cherish her own children.” They “affectionately” yearned over these young converts. This was displayed in the fact that they not only imparted the truth of “the gospel of God” to them so that they could get saved, but they also gave their “own lives” to them because these saints were “dear [beloved]” to them. This had to do with the care and attention that they gave to the Thessalonians after they were saved.
The Integrity of His Conduct
Vss. 9-10—Paul asks them to remember how he and his fellow workers conducted themselves among them. They worked “night and day” with their own hands (Paul had a tent-making business – Acts 18:33And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tentmakers. (Acts 18:3)) to feed themselves so that they would not be “chargeable” to them financially. The Thessalonians were witnesses of how “holily and justly and blamelessly” their lives were among them. This shows that what we are speaks louder than anything we say. The Christian minister must be careful to conduct himself appropriately in every dealing that he has with men.
The Character of His Ministry
Vss. 11-12—Paul not only nursed them “affectionately” as a mother (vss. 7-8), but he also “exhorted and comforted and charged [testified]” them as a “father.” This side of his ministry had to do with training and instructing and guiding these new converts in their first steps in the Christian path. It is significant that he says “each one of you.” This shows that a large part of ministering to new believers is to be done on an individual basis. An address directed to a company of Christians who are gathered together is good (Acts 20:77And upon the first day of the week, when the disciples came together to break bread, Paul preached unto them, ready to depart on the morrow; and continued his speech until midnight. (Acts 20:7)), but people are all different and they need individual attention to meet their specific needs. Paul’s ministry as a father was all in view of having his converts “walk worthy of God.” They needed to realize that they had been “called” by God for a very high purpose—to be vessels in which Christ’s glory will be displayed in the “kingdom.”
His Presentation of the Message
Vs. 13—Paul was thankful that when the Thessalonians heard their preaching, they could see that it was not merely the words of man’s wisdom but that it was a message which came from God—and therefore, it was received as “the Word of God.” This resulted partly from the manner of presentation which the servants of the Lord used in their preaching, and partly because of the faith of the Thessalonians. Paul, and those who worked with him, kept themselves out of the picture so that the hearers saw Christ and not the preachers. This is an important principle in ministry. In keeping with this principle, Paul said to the Corinthians, “For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:55For we preach not ourselves, but Christ Jesus the Lord; and ourselves your servants for Jesus' sake. (2 Corinthians 4:5)). Had the missionaries been interested in taking advantage of the situation for themselves, it would have manifested itself in the manner of their presentation. Those who have impure motives in their service usually make it known in the way that they minister, oftentimes without realizing it. Making nothing of themselves was a sure sign that these missionaries had no such designs. Paul was not congratulating himself for doing a good job in preaching, but rather, he was showing his integrity in presenting the truth. As a result, the Word of God worked in the Thessalonians “effectually,” and they “became followers of the churches in Judea” (vs. 14a). This was another proof that the missionaries were genuine and that they had been sent of God.
His Ministry Inspired Courage in Those Who Received It
Vss. 14-16—Moreover, the ministry of Paul and his companions was such that it inspired courage in the Thessalonians, to the point that they were willing to suffer for what they believed. And, in this way, they “became followers of the assemblies of God in Judea,” who were suffering similarly for their faith in Christ. By stating this, Paul was indicating that persecution is the common lot of all in Christianity. Not only was it leveled at the carriers of the message (vs. 2) but also at the believers of it (vs. 14). This persecution was mostly from the unbelieving Jews. They would not receive the truth themselves and they did all that they could to stop others from receiving it. Paul says that the great sin of these opposers was that they had “killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us.” And like Ishmael (who is a type of Israel after the flesh), they are “contrary to all men” (Gen. 16:1212And he will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. (Genesis 16:12)).
Paul said that the unbelieving Jews were filling up “their sins” by resisting the truth, and the wrath of God had “come upon them to the uttermost.” This was a reference to the governmental blindness that had swept over the nation in answer to the Lord’s prayer on the cross (Psa. 69:2323Let their eyes be darkened, that they see not; and make their loins continually to shake. (Psalm 69:23); Matt. 13:14-1514And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: 15For this people's heart is waxed gross, and their ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with their eyes, and hear with their ears, and should understand with their heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. (Matthew 13:14‑15); Acts 13:1111And now, behold, the hand of the Lord is upon thee, and thou shalt be blind, not seeing the sun for a season. And immediately there fell on him a mist and a darkness; and he went about seeking some to lead him by the hand. (Acts 13:11); Rom. 11:10, 2510Let their eyes be darkened, that they may not see, and bow down their back alway. (Romans 11:10)
25For I would not, brethren, that ye should be ignorant of this mystery, lest ye should be wise in your own conceits; that blindness in part is happened to Israel, until the fulness of the Gentiles be come in. (Romans 11:25); 2 Cor. 3:14-1614But their minds were blinded: for until this day remaineth the same vail untaken away in the reading of the old testament; which vail is done away in Christ. 15But even unto this day, when Moses is read, the vail is upon their heart. 16Nevertheless when it shall turn to the Lord, the vail shall be taken away. (2 Corinthians 3:14‑16)). A further judgment from God would come upon them in A.D. 70 by the literal destruction of the city of Jerusalem and the people (Psa. 69:24-2524Pour out thine indignation upon them, and let thy wrathful anger take hold of them. 25Let their habitation be desolate; and let none dwell in their tents. (Psalm 69:24‑25); Matt. 22:77But when the king heard thereof, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city. (Matthew 22:7)).
Satan Was Working to Hinder Them
Vss. 17-18—Paul says, “We, brethren, being taken from [bereaved of] you for a short time in presence, not in heart....” (The word “bereaved” is literally “orphaned” in the Greek – see J. N. Darby Translation footnote.) This is a reference to Paul and Silas being chased out of Thessalonica (Acts 17:1010And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. (Acts 17:10)). He explains here, that his absence from them had been longer than he had anticipated, but he assured them that his failure to get back to Thessalonica was not due to a lack of love for them. In fact, he tried “once and again” to return to Thessalonica, but “Satan hindered” him. This is significant in the thread of Paul’s thoughts in this chapter. He brings this up as a further proof that he and his fellow labourers were truly sent of God. If they were really doing Satan’s work, which they were accused of, Satan would not have hindered them. Satan would have helped them get back to Thessalonica to further mislead the Thessalonians! But since Satan was trying to hinder Paul, this ought to have been a clear sign to the Thessalonians that Paul was doing God’s work, because Satan is always against what God is doing.
The Divine Result of His Ministry—Reward in Heaven
Vss. 19-20—Paul was not discouraged by the working of the enemy. In spite of Satan’s oppositions, his “hope,” and “joy,” and “crown of rejoicing,” was to see his converts “in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming.” He looked forward to meeting his converts and friends at the Lord’s coming (Rapture). The crown of rejoicing is just one of a number of crowns that will be given to believers at the judgment seat of Christ for various reasons and services.
• The “overcomer’s” crown is for those who in faithfulness rise above the adverse circumstances in which they have been put (Rev. 3:1111Behold, I come quickly: hold that fast which thou hast, that no man take thy crown. (Revelation 3:11)).
Thus, the Lord’s work, done in the Lord’s way, under the Lord’s guidance, will be rewarded by Him in that day. Paul was confident that this was the end to which he was travelling in regards to his service. He longed to see the Thessalonian believers, and if not on earth, then in heaven. Our converts and the spiritual lessons we have learned in the school of God are really the only things we can take to heaven with us! Everything else that is material is “reserved unto fire” (2 Peter 3:77But the heavens and the earth, which are now, by the same word are kept in store, reserved unto fire against the day of judgment and perdition of ungodly men. (2 Peter 3:7)).
Some people, strangely, think that we won’t recognize each other when we are glorified; but if that were true, Paul’s words here would be meaningless. The saints will all know one another in that day (1 Cor. 13:1212For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known. (1 Corinthians 13:12)), just as the disciples recognized Moses and Elijah on the mount of transfiguration (Luke 9:3030And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: (Luke 9:30)).