Approved by God
Today, we are continuing in our study of 1 Thessalonians by looking at the first few verses of chapter 2. Last week, we examined Paul’s greeting to the church. Paul begins his letter with the goal to encourage the readers to stay strong in the faith, which is a main point found throughout this book, as many of the Jews turned followers of Christ were facing serious persecution. Paul then ends the first chapter with a reminder to the reader that there is hope. Paul is writing to encourage the believers and remind them that the Rapture is what makes the world ready for the wrath to come, the Tribulation period. Today, we will now look at Paul’s next exhortation to the church.
“For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. 4 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. 5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.”
1 Thessalonians 2:1-6
Paul begins this section by reminding the readers that his time with them did not go without results. While we do not know how many people came to place their faith in Jesus Christ due to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, we do see a result of Isaiah 55:11, “so is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” These men preached the word of God, and it brought many to Him. I believe that Paul was seeking to remind the readers of the moment they placed their faith in Jesus in order to see that whatever they were going though, it would bring God glory, just as Paul’s own imprisonment would do. In verse 2, Paul seeks to remind the reader that he faced many troubles and yet he still sought to preach the word of God. This is how we need to be as believers today: we need to not fear any worldly repercussions for speaking the truth, but have the boldness of God to share His word.
Verses 3-4, I would say, are the key verses in chapter 2. The word “exhortation” comes from a couple of different Greek words, but it essentially means a beseeching call to give comfort, to offer consolation. Which is exactly what Paul is doing here. He is imploring that the reader remember that what Paul said did not come from error, was unclean, or deceitful. This was one of the biggest arguments that the Jewish believers and the Jewish nonbelievers would face. Paul is beseeching them to remember that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy were approved by God to share the gospel; and they did it gladly, not to please men but to please God. This is reflected directly in Galatians 1:10, “10 For do I now persuade men, or God? Or do I seek to please men? For if I still pleased men, I would not be a bondservant of Christ.“ Paul is asking the reader, both then and now, if their actions are meant to please God or other men. In his argument in Galatians, we see that if we seek the approval of mankind, then we are not following after God.
Finally, Paul ends these 6 verses with a reminder that although he could have made demands as apostles of Christ, he did not. He and his companions behaved in such a way as to bring glory to God and do the work that He sent them for. Paul is ending these verses with a reminder to the reader that although he would “rank” higher in the world’s eyes, Paul came to serve them just as Jesus came to serve. Paul is calling the reader to follow in his footsteps, “Imitate me, just as I also imitate Christ.” 1 Corinthians 11:1
Paul’s letter to the Thessalonians still holds true today. We need to not worry about any worldly punishment for sharing God’s word; we need to be focused on pleasing God, and by doing so, we need to be imitating Him. Next week, we will look more into chapter 2 and see more of Paul’s relationship with these believers.
Seek the truth and encourage one another,
Alex