For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, and so it came to pass, as you know. Truth to Learn Effective ministers of God will suffer opposition and trouble. Behind the Words The words “we told … before” are translated...
1 Thessalonians 3:3 – Suffering From God
that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed unto this. Truth to Learn Some of our suffering is because God has determined it. Behind the Words “No one” is translated from mēdeis. This word is made up of mē, which...
1 Thessalonians 3:2 – Growth and Service
and sent Timothy, our brother and minister and fellow laborer of God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, Truth to Learn Christians are called both to grow in faith and to serve God through faith. Behind the Words The verb “sent”...
1 Thessalonians 3:1 – Family Ties
Therefore, no longer enduring it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, Truth to Learn Christians are all part of the same loving family. Behind the Words The words “enduring it” are translated from the Greek verb stegō. This word literally means “to cover.” It can...
1 Thessalonians 2:20 – A Joyful Coming
For you are our glory and joy. Truth to Learn There will be rejoicing for Christians when Christ returns. Behind the Words The word “glory” is translated from the Greek word doxa. This word primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means...
1 Thessalonians 2:19 – Present Suffering or Future Glory?
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? Truth to Learn Keep your focus on eternity when you suffer as a Christian. Behind the Words Elpis is the Greek word...
1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries
Therefore we determined 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 determined” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.”...
1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Orphaned Christians
But we, brothers, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in spirit, were all the more eager with great desire to see your face. Truth to Learn Persecution of Christians occurs world-wide today. Behind the Words The words “having been taken away” are...
1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly
hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has suddenly come upon them to the uttermost. Truth to Learn Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution. Behind the...
1 Thessalonians 2:15 – Suffering Is Good?
who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove us out. They are not pleasing to God but 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...
1 Thessalonians 2:14 – Family Suffering
from the Jews, Truth to Learn Many Christians suffer at the hands of friends and relatives. Behind the Words “Imitators” is from the word mimētēs, which we saw in the sixth verse of the previous chapter. It refers to “someone who mimics, imitates, or follows the example of someone...
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 accepted it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you who believe. Truth to...
1 Thessalonians 2:12 – Walking Worthy
and testifying that you 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 “Testifying” is from the Greek verb marturomai. This word is derived from martus, meaning “a witness.” This...
1 Thessalonians 2:11 – Father Paul
as you know how we were encouraging, and comforting 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 The word “as” is from the Greek word kathaper. This word is made up of...
1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Blameless Ministers
You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and righteously and blamelessly we were to 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...
1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Spiritual Parenting
So, yearning for you, we were well pleased to give 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 2:9 – Hard Labor
For you recall, brothers, our labor and hard work; laboring night and day so 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...
1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Caring Like Mothers
But we became gentle among you, just as a nursing mother tenderly cares for 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...
1 Thessalonians 2:6 – It’s Not About Us
Nor seeking glory from men, either from you or from others, being able to be in authority as apostles of Christ. Truth to Learn Paul didn’t make personal demands, even when he could have. Behind the Words The word “seeking” is from the Greek verb dzēteō, which means “to...
1 Thessalonians 2:5 – No Deceptive Practices
For neither at any time did we come with flattering words, as you know, nor with a pretense of 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...
1 Thessalonians 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...