1 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
(ESV)
STOP! Think a little 🤔 What is God saying to you?
- What is the writer saying?
- How do I apply this to my life?
Paul writes in defence of his ministry, not necessarily to answer a specific accusation but as a general reminder of his ministry among the Thessalonians. Paul lived a life of good character. How he lived backed up his message.
Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica had not been in vain. They had received the gospel message by faith and gone on to live transformed lives. Paul had come to them from conflict in Philippi and had preached in the face of further conflict in their city. Knowing they were approved by God to deliver the gospel, they preached with boldness, not from some false motive or intent to deceive. They always spoke with the intention of please God, not man. They did not preach for personal wealth or personal glory even though they had every right to make a living from the gospel as apostles.
They were gentle like a nursing mother taking care of her children sharing not only the gospel but their own lives in love for them.
What a beautiful model of ministry for us to follow. Paul, Timothy, and Silas ministered to others with no selfishness at all. They were courageous and gave up comfort to spread the gospel in the face of conflict. They spoke the truth with no false motive. They always sought the good of others instead of themselves. They were never a burden on others. They loved those they served with gentleness and personal investment. Does the way you live back up the gospel message you are sharing?