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...
1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Spiritual Parenting
So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart 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 2:7 – Caring Like Mothers
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes 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 epos, which refers to...
1 Thessalonians 2:6 – It’s Not About Us
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...