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...
1 Thessalonians 1:10 – He’s Coming!
and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. Truth to Learn Jesus Christ is coming back very soon. Behind the Words “Wait” is translated from the Greek verb anamenō, which is made up of...
1 Thessalonians 1:9 – Turn From Idols
For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, Truth to Learn We need to turn from idols and give all our devotion to God. Behind the Words “Declare” is...
1 Thessalonians 1:8 – Demonstrating Our Faith
For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. Truth to Learn Demonstrating our faith in everyday words and actions is...
1 Thessalonians 1:7 – Christian Models
so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. Truth to Learn Every Christian should be an example of Christ Himself. Behind the Words “So that” is translated from the Greek word hōste, which is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and te, which is a...
1 Thessalonians 1:6 – Affliction and Joy
And you became followers of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit, Truth to Learn Committed Christian living will result in affliction – and joy. Behind the Words “Followers” is translated from mimētēs, from which we get our English...
1 Thessalonians 1:5 – Holy Spirit Enlightenment
For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit and in much assurance, as you know what kind of men we were among you for your sake. Truth to Learn The empowering Spirit Behind the Words The word “gospel”...
1 Thessalonians 1:4 – Chosen and Loved
knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God. Truth to Learn All Christians are chosen by and loved by God. Behind the Words The word “knowing” is from the Greek verb oida, which means “to see with perception,” that is, “to be aware of.” It is expressed here as a casual...
1 Thessalonians 1:3 – Hang In There!
remembering without ceasing your work of faith, labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ in the sight of our God and Father, Truth to Learn The Christian life requires hard work and patience. Behind the Words “Without ceasing” is translated from adialeiptōs, made up of...
1 Thessalonians 1:2 – Prayer Warriors
We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers, Truth to Learn Our ministry should be focused on what God will do for others. Behind the Words The words “We give thanks” are translated from the Greek verb eucharisteō, which is made up...
1Thessalonians 1:1 – Grace and Peace
Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn All Christians can know peace in the midst of attack. Behind the Words “Church”...
Ephesians 6:24 – Eternal Joy
Grace be with all those who love our Lord Jesus Christ in sincerity. Amen. Truth to Learn God’s grace and His love are unfading and eternal. Behind the Words “Grace” is translated from the Greek word charis. This is from the verb chairō, meaning “to rejoice.” It specifically refers to...
Ephesians 6:23 – Peace, Love, and Faith
Peace to the brethren, and love with faith, from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Truth to Learn You can experience peace and the love of God through faith. Behind the Words The word translated “peace” is eirēnē. It can refer to an absence of war and dissention,...
Ephesians 6:22 – A Personal Comforter
whom I have sent to you for this very purpose, that you may know our affairs, and that he may comfort your hearts. Truth to Learn The church needs people of comfort and encouragement. Behind the Words “I have sent” is translated from the Greek verb pempō, which means “to...
Ephesians 6:21 – The Beloved Waiter
But that you also may know my affairs and how I am doing, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, will make all things known to you; Truth to Learn God gives recognition to those who serve humbly. Behind the Words The words “that you may know”...