Chapter 2
-v.1 In the first verse of chapter two, Paul, Timotheus, and Silvanus continue the theme of the example they set for the Colossians while they ministered among them. The Thessalonians did know that they did not minister to them in vain.
-v.2 They had suffered for Christ and were shamefully entreated at Philippi, but they spoke the gospel of Christ to the Thessalonians boldly in the strength of the Lord.
-vs.3-6 They were not deceitful, unclean (immoral), did not use guile (trickery), did not use flattering words, did not wear a cloke of covetousness. They knew God had put them in trust with the gospel and took their task seriously, not as pleasing men but rather pleasing God who tries the hearts.
Pastors, missionaries, teachers of God’s word should remember how serious and holy their task is. It is to be done to please God. Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus did not seek man’s glory or the glory of others.
-vs.6&7 They carried out their work without being burdensome to the Thessalonians. That is, they did not depend on or request material help from those they were trying to reach. Instead, they gave of themselves, being very gentle, even as a nurse (aid to a mother, nanny) would cherish the children she cares for.
-v.8 They loved the Thessalonians so much that they were willing to give them, not only the gospel, but also their own souls.
Missionaries and pastors should have much love and affection for those they are trying to reach. They should cherish their souls. This they should do because of the love of Christ in them.
-v.9 Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus labored night and day so that they could both fulfill the ministry and provide for themselves. They gave of themselves willingly so that they would not be chargeable to those to whom they were ministering.
-v.10 God could testify, and those who believed could testify that they walked among the Thessalonians holily, justly, and unblameably.
-v.11 They cared for the Thessalonians as a father would care for his children –
Exhorting (building them up)
Comforting
Charging (instructing and giving orders and commands).
-v12. Why?
So that they could walk worthy of God.
Why? What did God do for them?
He called them unto His kingdom and glory, made them part of His kingdom and partakers of all that is in it.
-v.13 Because of this, Paul and Silvanus and Timotheus thanked God without ceasing. When the Thessalonians believed, they received the word of God as coming straight from Him. They believed it and put it into practice in their lives.
-v.14 The Thessalonians followed in the footsteps of other churches which are in Christ Jesus. And, they were partakers of persecution, as were the other churches.
-vs. 14-16 The Thessalonians were persecuted by their own countrymen. The churches in Judea suffered at the hands of the Jews, the ones among the Jewish leaders that had killed Jesus and whose predecessors had killed the prophets. They also persecuted Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus. Maybe they thought they were doing it for God, but it did not please God. They were forbidding Paul and his company to preach to the Gentiles that the Gentiles might be saved. Thus, they continued filling up their own sin and reserving wrath to themselves.
-vs. 17&18 But Paul and his company desired greatly to go to the Thessalonians. They tried hard to go, once and again (more than once), but Satan hindered them.
-vs. 19&20 To Paul and his company, the Thessalonians were their joy and crown of rejoicing. They were their glory and joy, and this filled their hearts with gladness when they considered it in the light of Jesus’ return.