Therefore we wanted 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 wanted” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However,...
1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Orphaned Christians
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...