1 Thessalonians 2:3
Verse
Context
Paul’s Ministry
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.3For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.4Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
Sermons
William MacDonald
Art KatzWilliam MacDonald
Rolfe Barnard
Ernest C. Reisinger
John Nelson DarbySummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Our exhortation - The word παρακλησιςhas a very extensive meaning; it signifies not only exhortation and teaching in general, but also encouragement, consolation, and the like. When the apostles exhorted or admonished men, it was that they should turn from evil to good, from misery to happiness, from Satan to God, and from hell to heaven. Their exhortations having this object, every word was consolatory; and as the truth which they delivered was unquestionable, therefore their ministry was a subject of the highest encouragement and joy. Not of deceit - We did not endeavor to allure you with false pretences; we did not deceive you, nor were we deceived ourselves. Nor of uncleanness - Such as the teachings of the Gentile philosophers were; their supreme gods were celebrated for their adulteries, fornications, uncleannesses, thefts, barbarities, and profligacies of the most odious kind. Our Gospel was pure; came from the pure and holy God; was accompanied with the influences of the Holy Spirit, and produced purity both in the hearts and lives of all that received it. Nor in guile - We had no false pretences, and were influenced by no sinister motives.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--The ground of his "boldness" (Th1 2:2), his freedom from all "deceit, uncleanness, and guile"; guile, before God, deceit (Greek, "imposture"), towards men (compare Co2 1:12; Co2 2:17; Eph 4:14); uncleanness, in relation to one's self (impure motives of carnal self-gratification in gain, Th1 2:5), or lust; such as actuated false teachers of the Gentiles (Phi 1:16; Pe2 2:10, Pe2 2:14; Jde 1:8; Rev 2:14-15). So Simon Magus and Cerinthus taught [ESTIUS]. exhortation--The Greek means "consolation" as well as "exhortation." The same Gospel which exhorts comforts. Its first lesson to each is that of peace in believing amidst outward and inward sorrows. It comforts them that mourn (compare Th1 2:11; Isa 61:2-3; Co2 1:3-4). of--springing from--having its source in--deceit, &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For our exhortation,.... Or "consolation"; for the ministry of the Gospel, which is here meant, consists of doctrines full of comfort to distressed minds, such as free justification by the righteousness of Christ, full pardon by his blood, and complete satisfaction by his sacrifice; as well as of exhortations to the exercise of grace and discharge of duty: and this was not of deceit; or "error", was not "fallacious", as the Ethiopic version renders it; it consisted of nothing but truth, it was the word of truth, and the truth as it is in Jesus; nor did it proceed from any intention to deceive and impose on persons; it was no imposture: nor of uncleanness; it did not spring from any impure affection for any sin, for popular applause, or worldly interest; nor did the ministers of it connive at uncleanness in others, or practise it themselves, as did the false teachers; but bore their testimony against it, both by word and example, and taught no doctrine that encouraged to it; but, on the contrary, the doctrine which is according to godliness, and which teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts: nor in guile; as there was no deceitful design in the ministry of the word, nor anything impure and immoral in the matter of it; so there was no artifice used in the dispensing of it; it was plain and simple, without any colour and guile, without the hidden things of dishonesty, without craftiness and handling the word deceitfully; and this is a reason why the apostles preached it with so much freedom and boldness, because there was nothing false, impure, or artful in it.
1 Thessalonians 2:3
Paul’s Ministry
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.3For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.4Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
7 Principles of n.t.church - Part 2
By William MacDonald3.3K40:55Church Practice1TH 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of living a Christian life as a means of evangelism. He shares an anecdote about a friend who reacted negatively to his neighbors watering their lawn during a drought, causing him to miss an opportunity to share the gospel with them. The speaker encourages believers to show the love and kindness of God in their actions, which will attract others and open doors for sharing the gospel. He also mentions different forms of evangelism, such as Dan Porter's approach and the example of a sister in Yugoslavia, who found opportunities to witness by showing love and helping others.
Apostolic Foundations (1 of 12)
By Art Katz1.3K57:15ApostolicMAT 6:33ACT 17:261TH 2:3In this sermon, the speaker contemplates the opportunity to address a group of worldly men with the wisdom of God. He describes the suffering and persecution faced by the apostles, who remained steadfast in their faith. The speaker emphasizes the importance of relying on God's resurrection power rather than relying on prepared manuscripts. He also highlights the purpose of human existence, which is to seek after God and be found by Him, as stated in the Bible.
New Testament Evangelism
By William MacDonald1.0K45:39Evangelism1TH 2:3In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of personal life in evangelism and how easily one can make mistakes. He shares an illustration of a friend who, in a drought-stricken neighborhood, cut off his neighbors' ears for watering their lawn, which hindered their potential for a home Bible study. The speaker also highlights the significance of love and affection in the body of Christ, sharing a story of a girl who found the greatest display of love and affection during her baptism. The sermon concludes with a call to be innovative in evangelism and to extend love and show the Lord Jesus in all actions and words.
The Message of the Cross
By Rolfe Barnard80656:48MAT 6:33JHN 5:25ROM 10:171TH 2:31TH 2:132TI 3:16HEB 4:12In this sermon, the preacher addresses the importance of the message of the cross. He emphasizes the need for evidence of being a child of God and the love for the gospel. The preacher highlights the sinfulness of man and the need for a big salvation and great forgiveness. He encourages seeking God through His word and emphasizes that God provided redemption through Christ's sacrifice on the cross for those who have faith in Him.
The Gospel Our Trust #1
By Ernest C. Reisinger30634:02GospelEXO 20:3MAT 6:33ROM 14:102CO 5:101TH 2:31TH 2:9REV 20:11In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of understanding the bad news before embracing the good news of the gospel. He states that the gospel presupposes the fact that there is some awful bad news. The preacher highlights the role of the commandments in leading people to Christ, stating that they bring grace but not good news. He shares a personal anecdote about witnessing to a moral man who needed to understand the bad news before accepting the good news.
(Through the Needle's Eye) 9 - the Early Church Follows Jesus
By David Servant0GAL 5:16GAL 6:6PHP 4:10COL 3:51TH 2:3Paul emphasizes the importance of avoiding greed and selfishness, equating them with idolatry and immorality, sins that characterize those who are unsaved. He instructs Christians to focus on heavenly treasures, not earthly possessions, and to love others sacrificially, considering their needs above their own. Paul commends the Philippians for their generous offering, highlighting the joy of giving and laying up treasures in heaven. He warns against being deceived by greed, as it leads to eternal destruction. The early Christians, including the apostles, worked hard to support themselves and others, demonstrating love through their actions.
The Woman of Samaria
By John Nelson Darby0LUK 2:25ACT 4:36ROM 12:82CO 1:31TH 2:3HEB 12:5HEB 13:22John MacArthur and Wuest delve into the concept of encouragement (paraklesis), which involves providing solace, comfort, exhortation, and consolation to others. They emphasize the root meaning of coming alongside someone to offer assistance, as exemplified by the Good Samaritan. The Bible verses highlight the importance of seeking comfort and encouragement from God, the ultimate source of strength and hope, and the need for believers to comfort others with the comfort they have received from God.
Cross: Pardon by the Cross
By G. Campbell Morgan0MAT 7:15ACT 20:321TH 2:32TI 2:142PE 2:6Greek Word Studies preaches on the concept of 'ruin' (katastrophe), which signifies total destruction and turning things upside down. This state of ruin can be seen in the downfall of cities like Sodom and Gomorrah, as well as in the spiritual corruption and perversion of individuals. Engaging in word battles and controversies can lead to catastrophic outcomes, turning people away from the truth and causing harm to believers. The antidote to such ruinous behavior is found in focusing on the word of God's grace, which builds up and edifies the hearers.
- Adam Clarke
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
Our exhortation - The word παρακλησιςhas a very extensive meaning; it signifies not only exhortation and teaching in general, but also encouragement, consolation, and the like. When the apostles exhorted or admonished men, it was that they should turn from evil to good, from misery to happiness, from Satan to God, and from hell to heaven. Their exhortations having this object, every word was consolatory; and as the truth which they delivered was unquestionable, therefore their ministry was a subject of the highest encouragement and joy. Not of deceit - We did not endeavor to allure you with false pretences; we did not deceive you, nor were we deceived ourselves. Nor of uncleanness - Such as the teachings of the Gentile philosophers were; their supreme gods were celebrated for their adulteries, fornications, uncleannesses, thefts, barbarities, and profligacies of the most odious kind. Our Gospel was pure; came from the pure and holy God; was accompanied with the influences of the Holy Spirit, and produced purity both in the hearts and lives of all that received it. Nor in guile - We had no false pretences, and were influenced by no sinister motives.
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
For--The ground of his "boldness" (Th1 2:2), his freedom from all "deceit, uncleanness, and guile"; guile, before God, deceit (Greek, "imposture"), towards men (compare Co2 1:12; Co2 2:17; Eph 4:14); uncleanness, in relation to one's self (impure motives of carnal self-gratification in gain, Th1 2:5), or lust; such as actuated false teachers of the Gentiles (Phi 1:16; Pe2 2:10, Pe2 2:14; Jde 1:8; Rev 2:14-15). So Simon Magus and Cerinthus taught [ESTIUS]. exhortation--The Greek means "consolation" as well as "exhortation." The same Gospel which exhorts comforts. Its first lesson to each is that of peace in believing amidst outward and inward sorrows. It comforts them that mourn (compare Th1 2:11; Isa 61:2-3; Co2 1:3-4). of--springing from--having its source in--deceit, &c.
John Gill Bible Commentary
For our exhortation,.... Or "consolation"; for the ministry of the Gospel, which is here meant, consists of doctrines full of comfort to distressed minds, such as free justification by the righteousness of Christ, full pardon by his blood, and complete satisfaction by his sacrifice; as well as of exhortations to the exercise of grace and discharge of duty: and this was not of deceit; or "error", was not "fallacious", as the Ethiopic version renders it; it consisted of nothing but truth, it was the word of truth, and the truth as it is in Jesus; nor did it proceed from any intention to deceive and impose on persons; it was no imposture: nor of uncleanness; it did not spring from any impure affection for any sin, for popular applause, or worldly interest; nor did the ministers of it connive at uncleanness in others, or practise it themselves, as did the false teachers; but bore their testimony against it, both by word and example, and taught no doctrine that encouraged to it; but, on the contrary, the doctrine which is according to godliness, and which teaches men to deny ungodliness and worldly lusts: nor in guile; as there was no deceitful design in the ministry of the word, nor anything impure and immoral in the matter of it; so there was no artifice used in the dispensing of it; it was plain and simple, without any colour and guile, without the hidden things of dishonesty, without craftiness and handling the word deceitfully; and this is a reason why the apostles preached it with so much freedom and boldness, because there was nothing false, impure, or artful in it.