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”...
Ephesians 6:20 – Proclaim It Boldly!
for which I am an ambassador in chains; that in it I may speak boldly, as I ought to speak. Truth to Learn We need to boldly proclaim the Gospel message. Behind the Words Presbeuō is the Greek word translated “ambassador.” It literally means “to be an old man,” but...
Ephesians 6:19 – Pray for Paul?
and for me, that utterance may be given to me, that I may open my mouth boldly to make known the mystery of the gospel, Truth to Learn All of us need prayers, especially regarding our ministries. Behind the Words The Greek word translated “utterance” is logos, which is derived...
Ephesians 6:18 – Perpetual Persistent Prayer
praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, being watchful to this end with all perseverance and supplication for all the saints— Truth to Learn Prayer is important in spiritual battles and at every other time. Behind the Words “Praying” is from the Greek verb proseuchomai, which is...
Ephesians 6:17 – The Sword, The Word
And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God; Truth to Learn Christians have a sword to use in our spiritual battle. Behind the Words “Take” is translated from the Greek verb dechomai, meaning “to deliberately and readily accept what is...
Ephesians 6:16 – Keep the Faith!
above all, taking the shield of faith with which you will be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked one. Truth to Learn We need faith to protect us from some of Satan’s attacks. Behind the Words The words “above all” are translated from the Greek words...
Ephesians 6:15 – Stand Firm!
and having shod your feet with the preparation of the gospel of peace; Truth to Learn We have a firm standing in our salvation. Behind the Words “Having shod” is translated from the verb hupodeō, which is a compound word made up of hupo, meaning “under” and deō, meaning “to...
Ephesians 6:14 – Truth and Righteousness
Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth, having put on the breastplate of righteousness, Truth to Learn Truth and righteousness are two of the key pieces of our armor. Behind the Words “Stand” is translated from the Greek word histēmi, meaning “to stand.” It is expressed here in the...
Ephesians 6:13 – Prepare for Battle
Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand. Truth to Learn We need to be prepared for spiritual battle at all times. Behind the Words Analambanō is the Greek word translated “take up.”...
Ephesians 6:12 – Spiritual Wrestling Match
For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places. Truth to Learn We are in a spiritual battle and we are on the winning side. Behind the...
Ephesians 6:11 – Protective Armor
Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Truth to Learn We Christians need protective armor for our spiritual battles. Behind the Words “Put on” is translated from the verb enduō, which is made up of en, meaning...
Ephesians 6:10 – Be Made Strong!
Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might. Truth to Learn Christians need to prepare for spiritual warfare. Behind the Words The word “finally” is translated from loipos, meaning “that which remains.” There is some variation in Greek manuscripts as to whether this...