Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. Truth to Learn Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan. Behind the Words “We wanted” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However,...
1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Orphaned Christians
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Truth to Learn Persecution of Christians occurs world-wide today. Behind the Words The words “having been taken away” are translated from the...
1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly
forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. Truth to Learn Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution. Behind the Words “Forbidding” is translated from...
1 Thessalonians 2:15 – Suffering Is Good?
who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, Truth to Learn Persecution and suffering can make us stronger Christians. Behind the Words The word translated “killed” is from the Greek verb apokteinō....
1 Thessalonians 2:14 – Family Suffering
For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, Truth to Learn Many Christians suffer at the hands of friends and relatives. Behind the...
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – God’s Effective Work
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. Truth...
1 Thessalonians 2:12 – Walking Worthy
that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. Truth to Learn Encouragement and instruction help us to become more godly. Behind the Words The word “that” is translated from a form of idiom that Paul uses frequently. It consists of eis to...
1 Thessalonians 2:11 – Father Paul
as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, Truth to Learn We all need some comfort, encouragement, and challenge. Behind the Words “You know” is translated from the verb eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As...
1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Blameless Ministers
You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; Truth to Learn Christians should be blameless in whatever ministry they are engaged in. Behind the Words The word “witnesses” is translated from martus, from which we get our English word...
1 Thessalonians 2:9 – Hard Labor
For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. Truth to Learn Serving God sometimes requires hard work. Behind the Words “Labor” is translated from the Greek...
1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Spiritual Parenting
So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. Truth to Learn Mature Christians help younger Christians grow. Behind the Words “So” is from the Greek word houtōs,...
1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Caring Like Mothers
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Truth to Learn Christian service should demonstrate love and care for others. Behind the Words “Gentle” is translated from the Greek word nēpios, which is made up or nē, meaning “not” and epos, which refers to...
1 Thessalonians 2:6 – It’s Not About Us
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. Truth to Learn Paul didn’t make personal demands, even when he could have. Behind the Words The words “did we seek” are from the Greek verb dzēteō,...
1 Thessalonians 2:5 – No Deceptive Practices
For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Truth to Learn Christians don’t need to be deceptive to deliver the truth. Behind the Words The words “at any time” are from pote, which means “at some time” or...
1 Thessaloninas 2:4 – Be a God Pleaser
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. Truth to Learn Proclaim the simple truth and seek God’s approval alone. Behind the Words “Approved” is translated from the Greek word...
1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Minister Righteously
For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. Truth to Learn All ministries should be performed honestly and for God. Behind the Words “Exhortation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is derived from parakaleō, meaning “to call near.” It is a picture of someone...
1 Thessalonians 2:2 – God-Given Courage
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. Truth to Learn Serving God faithfully means you will encounter opposition. Behind the Words The words “after...
1 Thessalonians 2:1 – Opposition Will Come
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. Truth to Learn An effective Christian ministry will encounter opposition. Behind the Words The word “entry” is from the Greek noun eisodon, which we saw in verse nine of chapter one. It is made up of...