1 Thessalonianschapter 2

20 verses · ASV

This chapter sends 476 cross-references outward and receives 495 — heaviest partner: Acts.

See 1 Thessalonians book hub for context

Chapter summary

Paul rehearses the ministry among them — entrance in boldness after Philippi's shameful treatment, words not of flattery, not of covetousness. Gentle among them as a nurse cherisheth her children; then as a father. Ye are witnesses, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves. Paul was taken from them for a short time in presence but not in heart. Satan hindered his return. Ye are our glory and joy. JFB reads the chapter as the apostle's own pastoral autobiography — one of the New Testament's tenderest.

Drafted from Matthew Henry, Calvin, Gill, Clarke, JFB, and Barnes.

Context

Epistle · Paul — see the 1 Thessalonians overview for the book's full setting.

1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entering in unto you, that it hath not been found vain:

2 but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.

3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

4 but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.

5 For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;

6 nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children:

8 even so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were become very dear to us.

9 For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.