1 Thessalonians 2:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
Willie MullanWillie Mullan
Milton Green
John Hwang
Walter Chantry
Svend ChristensenGerry CovenhovenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Our entrance in unto you - His first coming to preach the Gospel was particularly owned of the Lord, many of them having been converted under his ministry. This consideration gave him a right to deliver all the following exhortations.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you,.... The apostle having observed in Th1 1:9 that those persons to whom the report of the Gospel being preached at Thessalonica, and the success of it there was made, showed everywhere both what manner of entrance he and his fellow ministers had in that place, and the conversion of many souls there; he enlarges upon the latter, and here reassumes the former, and appeals to the Thessalonians themselves, who must know full well, and better than others, what an entrance it was; and which is to be understood not merely of a corporeal entrance into their city and synagogue, but of their coming among them, by the preaching of the Gospel, as the ministers of the word and ambassadors of Christ: that it was not in vain; it was not a vain show with outward pomp and splendour, as the public entrances of ambassadors into cities usually are; but with great meanness, poverty, reproach, and persecution, having been lately beaten and ill used at Philippi; nor was it with great swelling words of vanity, with the enticing words of man's wisdom, to tickle the ear, please the fancy, and work upon the passions of natural men, in which manner the false teachers came: but the apostle came not with deceit and guile, with flattering words or a cloak of covetousness, or with a view to vain glory and worldly advantage; nor was the message they came with, from the King of kings, a vain, light, empty, and trifling one; but solid and substantial, and of the greatest importance; the doctrine they taught was not comparable to chaff and wind; it was not corrupt philosophy and vain deceit, the traditions and commandments of men, but sound doctrine, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ: nor was it fruitless and without effect; the word did not return void and empty; but was powerful and efficacious to the conversion of many souls. Christ was with them both to assist them in their ministry, and to bless it to the salvation of men; nor was their coming to Thessalonica an human scheme, a rash enterprise, engaged in on their own heads, on a slight and empty foundation; but upon good and solid grounds, by divine direction and counsel; see Act 16:9.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. As he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity, so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their office: You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you. 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. The apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry, that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. The subject-matter of the apostle's preaching was not vain and idle speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. A good example this is, to be imitated by all the ministers of the gospel. Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. He could say to these Thessalonians what he told the Corinthians (Co2 4:2): We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been, I. With courage and resolution: We were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God, Th1 2:2. The apostle was inspired with a holy boldness, nor was he discouraged at the afflictions he met with, or the opposition that was made against him. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. There it was that he and Silas were shamefully treated, being put in the stocks; yet no sooner were they set at liberty than they went to Thessalonica, and preached the gospel with as much boldness as ever. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. The gospel of Christ, at its first setting out in the world, met with much opposition; and those who preached it preached it with contention, with great agony, which denoted either the apostles' striving in their preaching or their striving against the opposition they met with. This was Paul's comfort; he was neither daunted in his work, nor driven from it. II. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, Th1 2:3. This, no doubt, was matter of the greatest comfort to the apostle - the consciousness of his own sincerity; and was one reason of his success. It was the sincere and uncorrupted gospel that he preached and exhorted them to believe and obey. His design was not to set up a faction, to draw men over to a party, but to promote pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father. The gospel he preached was without deceit, it was true and faithful; it was not fallacious, nor a cunningly-devised fable. Nor was it of uncleanness. His gospel was pure and holy, worthy of its holy author, tending to discountenance all manner of impurity. The word of God is pure. There should be no corrupt mixtures therewith; and, as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was thus true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. He believed, and therefore he spoke. He had no sinister and secular aims and views, but was in reality what he seemed to be. The apostle not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences thereof. The reasons are contained, Th1 2:4. 1. They were stewards, put in trust with the gospel: and it is required of a steward that he be faithful. The gospel which Paul preached was not his own, but the gospel of God. Note, Ministers have a great favour shown them, and honour put upon them, and trust committed to them. They must not dare to corrupt the word of God: they must diligently make use of what is entrusted with them, so as God hath allowed and commanded, knowing they shall be called to an account, when they must be no longer stewards. 2. Their design was to please God and not men. God is a God of truth, and requires truth in the inward parts; and, if sincerity be wanting, all that we do cannot please God. 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. If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ, Gal 1:10. 3. They acted under the consideration of God's omniscience, as in the sight of him who tries our hearts. This is indeed the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only seeth all that we do, but knoweth our thoughts afar off, and searcheth the heart. He is well acquainted with all our aims and designs, as well as our actions. And it is from this God who trieth our hearts that we must receive our reward. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these: - (1.) He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, Th1 2:5. 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. 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 did not flatter them with fain hopes, nor indulge them in any evil work or way, promising them life, and so daubing with untempered mortar. (2.) He avoided covetousness. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, Th1 2:5. His design was not to enrich himself by preaching the gospel; so far from this, he did not stipulate with them for bread. He was not like the false apostles, who, through covetousness, with feigned words made merchandise of the people, Pe2 2:3. (3.) He avoided ambition and vain-glory: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you nor yet of others, Th1 2:6. They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. This apostle exhorts the Galatians (Gal 5:26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, Joh 5:44. 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.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1–3:13 The body of this letter begins by discussing Paul’s and his associates’ character (2:1-12) and the way the Thessalonians received the Good News (2:13-16). It then emphasizes Paul’s sincere care for the church, telling of his attempts to return to visit them (2:17-20) and his decision to send Timothy to them when he himself could not come (3:1-5). Finally, it tells of Paul’s joy over Timothy’s good report (3:6-9) and his prayers to get back to the church himself (3:10-13). This lengthy defense is Paul’s response to criticisms of his abrupt departure and prolonged absence. 2:1 The Greek word translated visit often refers to entry into a city. Ancient orators were known for their grand entrances into a town. Paul’s entrance to Thessalonica should be judged by its credible results rather than its lack of pomp or ceremony.
1 Thessalonians 2:1
Paul’s Ministry
1You yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain.2As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
(1 Thessalonians) Past Acts of Paul at Thessalonica
By Willie Mullan3.4K51:03Paul The ApostleACT 17:161TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the good news of God's love and the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. He encourages believers to hold out their arms in grace and accept God's fate for them. The preacher also urges young preachers to stick to the gospel and not be swayed by worldly distractions. He uses the example of Paul's past performances among the Thessalonians to highlight the importance of preaching with purpose and walking worthy of God. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the power and significance of the Gospel of God in transforming lives.
(1 Thessalonians) Paul's Part
By Willie Mullan2.7K1:01:49Paul The Apostle1TH 1:11TH 2:11TH 2:91TH 2:131TH 2:19In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the book of Thessalonians and divides the first chapter into two parts: Paul's part and the Thessalonians' part. In Paul's part, he talks about his pain, praises, prayer, perception, and preaching. He also mentions how he saw the Thessalonians' work of faith, labor of love, patience of hope, and their election of God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of these qualities in young believers and encourages them to continue in their faith.
(Saved Through the Fire) 09 - the Walk of Peace
By Milton Green1.5K1:10:292CO 4:12CO 5:61TH 2:11JN 3:21JN 3:7In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of repentance and the dangers of burnout. He shares a personal experience of being afflicted by powers of darkness and how repentance saved him. The speaker also highlights the need to please God rather than men and references Matthew 7 to support this point. He further connects this idea to Paul's teachings in Philippians 4, emphasizing the importance of practicing what is true, honorable, and pure. The sermon concludes with a warning from Deuteronomy 29 about the dangers of idolatry and the need to come out of the world.
Reaching the Nations for Christ
By John Hwang1.4K54:15MissionsMAT 6:33ROM 10:141CO 1:181TH 2:11TH 2:142TI 4:11PE 1:23In this sermon, the speaker begins by discussing the importance of a strong introduction in preaching. However, he admits that he will ignore this rule for the sake of delivering a meaningful message. He then turns to the book of 1 Thessalonians chapter 2 and highlights practical lessons from the missionary example of the Apostle Paul. The speaker emphasizes the call to reach the nations for Christ and quotes Romans 10:14-15 to emphasize the importance of verbal preaching in sharing the gospel. He also mentions the significance of lifestyle evangelism, but emphasizes that speaking the gospel is essential.
The Plague of Dry-Eyed Calvinism in Missions
By Walter Chantry80938:481TH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of Christians not remaining silent about the truth of God. He refers to 1 Thessalonians 2:4, where Paul states that the gospel is not only a revelation for personal peace, but also a trust given to believers to guard and present to the world. The speaker challenges Christians to actively spread the gospel and make serious efforts in missions, both at home and abroad. He highlights the need for consistent prayer for missionaries and shares the example of missionaries like William Burns and the apostle Paul, who were driven by a deep love for the gospel and a sense of responsibility to share it.
Studies in 1 Thessalonians 02 Crown
By Svend Christensen75546:231TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the unwavering truth of God and His gospel. He contrasts the faithfulness of God with the untrustworthiness of men, highlighting that God's promises are always kept. The preacher also emphasizes the importance of pure motives and above-board methods in ministry, using the example of Paul and his associates. The sermon further discusses the successful mission of Paul and his team, noting that their message was received and believed by the people. The sermon concludes by highlighting the eternal hope and reward that awaits believers who faithfully proclaim the true message of the gospel.
The Priesthood of Believers
By Gerry Covenhoven69046:281TH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of priesthood and its significance in the Christian faith. He emphasizes that believers are called to be priests and serve others, just as Jesus did. The speaker references various Bible verses, including John 13, 1 Peter 2, and Revelation 1, to support his points. He also highlights the importance of spiritual growth and the offering of spiritual sacrifices to God.
Not Ashamed
By Jim Cymbala52532:29Gospel1TH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the early days of preaching the gospel and the opposition that came with it. They emphasize that while preaching the good news could lead to glorious results and life-changing transformations, it also brought about significant opposition. The speaker highlights that not everyone they encountered accepted the message, debunking the notion of false triumphalism. They also share a personal experience of preaching in a park, where people initially gathered thinking it was a commercial shoot, but eventually listened to the message. The sermon emphasizes the importance of boldness and courage in sharing the gospel, despite the mockery and rejection one may face. The speaker draws inspiration from Jesus' endurance of the cross and encourages believers to persevere in sharing the story of love and salvation.
Bristol Conference 1977-04 msg.and Man of Model Ch.
By Stan Ford43035:041TH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of preaching the message of God in a friendly and bold manner. He mentions that the early preachers of the gospel, such as Simon, Stephen, and Thor, boldly proclaimed the message of Jesus Christ and His ability to meet the needs of people. The speaker also highlights the idea that the gospel is a trust given by God to be used for the benefit of others. He reminds the audience that the gospel is the greatest love story in the world, but notes that the sermons in the Acts of the Apostles do not specifically focus on the love of God. Instead, the speaker emphasizes the need to present Christ as portrayed in the Bible.
Bristol Conference 1977-02 msg.and Man of Model Ch.
By Stan Ford42236:011TH 2:1In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of preaching the message of the Gospel in a friendly and bold manner. He refers to the early apostles who proclaimed the good news of Jesus Christ and how they presented Christ to the people. The preacher also mentions his own experience of studying the sermons in the Acts of the Apostles and noticing that none of them specifically focused on the love of God. However, he emphasizes that the Gospel is a trust given by God to be used for others, and it should be administered faithfully.
Suffering for the Gospel (13.6.1985)
By Nigel Lee14457:55Suffering1TH 2:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on the importance of being a good example as a parent and as a Christian. He emphasizes the role of parents in shaping the lives of their children and encourages them to live lives worthy of God. The speaker also highlights the need to evaluate one's own message and behavior and have a balanced view of achievements. He concludes by reminding the audience of the power of God's word and its ability to transform lives.
A Pattern Worker and Minister
By A.B. Simpson0Character of a Christian WorkerMinistry1TH 2:1A.B. Simpson emphasizes the character and ministry of Paul, illustrating how his life and work were deeply intertwined with his faith and dedication to God. Paul’s ministry was marked by a genuine love for people, a commitment to serve without seeking personal gain, and a reliance on prayer and the Holy Spirit for power. Simpson encourages believers to recognize their own potential for ministry in everyday life, regardless of their vocation, and to embody the spirit of gentleness and love that Paul exemplified. He highlights that true ministry is not confined to the pulpit but can be lived out in any context, urging Christians to be living examples of the Gospel. Ultimately, the sermon calls for a return to the heart of ministry, which is rooted in prayer, love, and the transformative power of the Holy Spirit.
Thessalonians Chapter 3 a Pattern Worker and Minister
By A.B. Simpson0Character of a BelieverMinistry1TH 2:1A.B. Simpson emphasizes the character and ministry of Paul as a model for all believers, illustrating how Paul worked diligently in various circumstances while remaining true to his calling. He highlights that Paul's ministry was marked by a single aim to please God rather than men, a pure personal life, and a commitment to serve without financial burden to others. Simpson encourages believers to recognize their everyday work as a platform for ministry, advocating for a life of prayer and love as essential components of effective witness. The sermon calls for a spirit of gentleness and the empowering presence of the Holy Spirit in all ministry efforts, urging Christians to embody the fullness of the Gospel in their lives.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Our entrance in unto you - His first coming to preach the Gospel was particularly owned of the Lord, many of them having been converted under his ministry. This consideration gave him a right to deliver all the following exhortations.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you,.... The apostle having observed in Th1 1:9 that those persons to whom the report of the Gospel being preached at Thessalonica, and the success of it there was made, showed everywhere both what manner of entrance he and his fellow ministers had in that place, and the conversion of many souls there; he enlarges upon the latter, and here reassumes the former, and appeals to the Thessalonians themselves, who must know full well, and better than others, what an entrance it was; and which is to be understood not merely of a corporeal entrance into their city and synagogue, but of their coming among them, by the preaching of the Gospel, as the ministers of the word and ambassadors of Christ: that it was not in vain; it was not a vain show with outward pomp and splendour, as the public entrances of ambassadors into cities usually are; but with great meanness, poverty, reproach, and persecution, having been lately beaten and ill used at Philippi; nor was it with great swelling words of vanity, with the enticing words of man's wisdom, to tickle the ear, please the fancy, and work upon the passions of natural men, in which manner the false teachers came: but the apostle came not with deceit and guile, with flattering words or a cloak of covetousness, or with a view to vain glory and worldly advantage; nor was the message they came with, from the King of kings, a vain, light, empty, and trifling one; but solid and substantial, and of the greatest importance; the doctrine they taught was not comparable to chaff and wind; it was not corrupt philosophy and vain deceit, the traditions and commandments of men, but sound doctrine, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ: nor was it fruitless and without effect; the word did not return void and empty; but was powerful and efficacious to the conversion of many souls. Christ was with them both to assist them in their ministry, and to bless it to the salvation of men; nor was their coming to Thessalonica an human scheme, a rash enterprise, engaged in on their own heads, on a slight and empty foundation; but upon good and solid grounds, by divine direction and counsel; see Act 16:9.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. As he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity, so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their office: You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you. 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. The apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry, that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. The subject-matter of the apostle's preaching was not vain and idle speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. A good example this is, to be imitated by all the ministers of the gospel. Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. He could say to these Thessalonians what he told the Corinthians (Co2 4:2): We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been, I. With courage and resolution: We were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God, Th1 2:2. The apostle was inspired with a holy boldness, nor was he discouraged at the afflictions he met with, or the opposition that was made against him. He had met with ill usage at Philippi, as these Thessalonians well knew. There it was that he and Silas were shamefully treated, being put in the stocks; yet no sooner were they set at liberty than they went to Thessalonica, and preached the gospel with as much boldness as ever. Note, Suffering in a good cause should rather sharpen than blunt the edge of holy resolution. The gospel of Christ, at its first setting out in the world, met with much opposition; and those who preached it preached it with contention, with great agony, which denoted either the apostles' striving in their preaching or their striving against the opposition they met with. This was Paul's comfort; he was neither daunted in his work, nor driven from it. II. With great simplicity and godly sincerity: Our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile, Th1 2:3. This, no doubt, was matter of the greatest comfort to the apostle - the consciousness of his own sincerity; and was one reason of his success. It was the sincere and uncorrupted gospel that he preached and exhorted them to believe and obey. His design was not to set up a faction, to draw men over to a party, but to promote pure religion and undefiled before God and the Father. The gospel he preached was without deceit, it was true and faithful; it was not fallacious, nor a cunningly-devised fable. Nor was it of uncleanness. His gospel was pure and holy, worthy of its holy author, tending to discountenance all manner of impurity. The word of God is pure. There should be no corrupt mixtures therewith; and, as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was thus true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. He did not pretend one thing and intend another. He believed, and therefore he spoke. He had no sinister and secular aims and views, but was in reality what he seemed to be. The apostle not only asserts his sincerity, but subjoins the reasons and evidences thereof. The reasons are contained, Th1 2:4. 1. They were stewards, put in trust with the gospel: and it is required of a steward that he be faithful. The gospel which Paul preached was not his own, but the gospel of God. Note, Ministers have a great favour shown them, and honour put upon them, and trust committed to them. They must not dare to corrupt the word of God: they must diligently make use of what is entrusted with them, so as God hath allowed and commanded, knowing they shall be called to an account, when they must be no longer stewards. 2. Their design was to please God and not men. God is a God of truth, and requires truth in the inward parts; and, if sincerity be wanting, all that we do cannot please God. 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. If I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ, Gal 1:10. 3. They acted under the consideration of God's omniscience, as in the sight of him who tries our hearts. This is indeed the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only seeth all that we do, but knoweth our thoughts afar off, and searcheth the heart. He is well acquainted with all our aims and designs, as well as our actions. And it is from this God who trieth our hearts that we must receive our reward. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity follow; and they are these: - (1.) He avoided flattery: Neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, Th1 2:5. 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. 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 did not flatter them with fain hopes, nor indulge them in any evil work or way, promising them life, and so daubing with untempered mortar. (2.) He avoided covetousness. He did not make the ministry a cloak, or a covering, for covetousness, as God was witness, Th1 2:5. His design was not to enrich himself by preaching the gospel; so far from this, he did not stipulate with them for bread. He was not like the false apostles, who, through covetousness, with feigned words made merchandise of the people, Pe2 2:3. (3.) He avoided ambition and vain-glory: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you nor yet of others, Th1 2:6. They expected neither people's purses nor their caps, neither to be enriched by them nor caressed, and adored, and called Rabbi by them. This apostle exhorts the Galatians (Gal 5:26) not to be desirous of vain glory; his ambition was to obtain that honour which comes from God, Joh 5:44. 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.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
2:1–3:13 The body of this letter begins by discussing Paul’s and his associates’ character (2:1-12) and the way the Thessalonians received the Good News (2:13-16). It then emphasizes Paul’s sincere care for the church, telling of his attempts to return to visit them (2:17-20) and his decision to send Timothy to them when he himself could not come (3:1-5). Finally, it tells of Paul’s joy over Timothy’s good report (3:6-9) and his prayers to get back to the church himself (3:10-13). This lengthy defense is Paul’s response to criticisms of his abrupt departure and prolonged absence. 2:1 The Greek word translated visit often refers to entry into a city. Ancient orators were known for their grand entrances into a town. Paul’s entrance to Thessalonica should be judged by its credible results rather than its lack of pomp or ceremony.