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 “martyr” (someone who has given his or her life as a witness of their belief). Martus means “someone who gives testimony as a witness of some act or event.”
“Devoutly” is from hosiōs, which refers to “piety,” that is “a demonstration of obedience to God’s will and devotion to serving Him.”
Dikiōs is the Greek word translated “justly.” It is derived from dikios, meaning “that which is right or just.” Therefore dikiōs refers to “doing that which is right or just.”
“Blamelessly” is from amemptōs, which is made up of the privative a, meaning “without” or “not” and a form of the verb memphomai, meaning “to find fault.” Thus, amemptōs refers to “acting without fault or blame.”
The word “behaved” is the translation of the verb ginomai, meaning “to become” or “to be.”
Meaning Explained
Paul is continuing his defense against apparent attacks on his character and ministry while serving God among the Christians at Thessalonica. Based on his previous defensive arguments it appears that he had been accused of:
- Using deceptive practices to teach doctrinal error
- Simply being “men pleasers,” using flattering words to make the people feel good so that Paul and his companions could gain material goods from them
- Seeking their own glory and being harsh, laying heavy burdens on those to whom they ministered
- Being lazy while expecting the Thessalonians to provide for all their material needs
Based on the current verse, it appears that Paul, Sylvanus, and Timothy had also been accused of behaving themselves improperly and dishonestly while they ministered there. In defense of this, Paul calls for his witnesses.
In the Old Testament two witnesses had to testify the same thing regarding any accusation in order to ascertain the truth (Deuteronomy 19:15). Paul is satisfying this requirement by appealing to God as well as the people in the church in Thessalonica. He says that they are witnesses to the fact that Paul and his co-workers were not only devout and obedient to God in their personal lives, but they also acted justly and blamelessly while performing their ministry. Paul’s ministry was always characterized by being obedient to God’s call on his life, and he always did what was just and right. So much so, in fact, that he could remind the people that no one could legitimately blame him for any wrongdoing.
Application
My prayer for each of you is that you perform whatever ministry God has given you in such a manner that you may be found blameless in the sight of God and of men.
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved