1 Thessalonians 2:4 NIV

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

The Nature of St. Paul’s Life and Work at Thessalonica2. The persecution at the Roman garrison-town of Philippi made a deep impression on St. Paul the Roman citizen (Acts 16:19-40; Philippians 1:30). It was the indignity that hurt him.Contention] better, ’conflict.’3. It would seem that St. Paul was at first looked upon by some as an impostor, seeking his own ends. He declares that he came with a sincere desire for their salvation only. Deceit] better, ’error.’ Uncleanness] Impurity was often... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 1 Thessalonians 2:4

(4) Were allowed.—Rather, have been, and in 1 Thessalonians 2:3 is, not “was.” St. Paul is arguing from his habitual practice. “But we speak after the manner of men who remember that God Himself has tried them, and has been satisfied to entrust the gospel to them, making it our business to please, not men, but God who thus tries our hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:1-2). The word translated “allowed” implies examining and approving (as in Luke 14:19; 1 Timothy 3:10; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 John 4:1), and is... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Dictionary of Texts - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Orphaned for an Hour 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Only a great heart could have said this. Such glowing sentences are amongst the most vivid and positive evidences of inspiration. Paul was a great father mother, a great brother-sister, a woman and a man There is nothing like the Pauline affection; there is so much reason under it, around it, above it; it is so complete and cogent and intense in logic; it is a great flower whose roots go down to the rock. Paul loved the society of the believing Church;... read more

William Nicoll

Expositor's Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Chapter 5APOLOGIA PRO VITA SUA1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 (R.V.)OUR first impression, as we read these verses, is that they contain little that is new. They simply expand the statement of chap. 1, ver. 5 (1 Thessalonians 1:5): "Our gospel came not unto you in word only, but in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; even as ye know what manner of men we showed ourselves toward you for your sake." But if their substance is the same, their tone is very different. It is obvious at a glance... read more

Arno Clemens Gaebelein

Arno Gaebelein's Annotated Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

II. TRUE SERVICE, AS MANIFESTED IN APOSTOLIC MINISTRY CHAPTER 2 1. Apostolic conduct and service 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 ) 2. Thanksgiving for the reception of the message and the opposition 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 ) 3. Looking forward to His coming 1 Thessalonians 2:17-19 ) 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 The apostle now enlarges upon the brief statement in the previous chapter “Ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sakes.” His conduct and character, as well as that of his fellow... read more

John Calvin

Geneva Study Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:4

2:4 {4} But as we were {c} allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which {d} trieth our hearts.(4) To approve his conscience to God, being free from all flattery and covetousness.(c) There is this difference between the judgments of God and the judgments of men, that when men choose, they give regard to the qualities of those things which stand before them, but God finds the reason of his counsel only in himself. Therefore, it follows... read more

L.M. Grant

L. M. Grant's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

We are to consider now that which had great effect in producing the energetic, devoted response to the gospel such as we have seen in the Thessalonians. Certainly it is the Word of God itself that is responsible for this, as insisted on in verse 13. Yet the living effects of that Word in the Lord's servants had such an effect as to attach the hearts of the Thessalonians to that Word as being not the word of men but in truth the Word of God. How precious is such work! If souls are drawn to the... read more

James Gray

James Gray's Concise Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-16

REMINISCENT For the story of the founding of this church by Paul, examine Acts 17:0 . We call the first section of the epistle the reminiscent part, because the apostle is referring to what had taken place in Thessalonica at that time. It opens with the usual salutation 1 Thessalonians 1:1 , in which Silas and Timothy are named with Paul, not as co-writers, but co-workers with him when in that city, and so known to the church. The thanksgiving follows, 1 Thessalonians 1:2-4 , in which is... read more

Joseph Parker

The People's Bible by Joseph Parker - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-20

Chapter 2 1 He willeth them to continue stedfast in the truth received, 3 sheweth that there shall be a departure from the faith, 9 and a discovery of antichrist, before the day of the Lord come. 15 And thereupon repeateth his former exhortation, and prayeth for them. 1. Now we beseech you, brethren, by the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, and by our gathering together unto him, 2. That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled [with a view to your being not quickly shaken from your... read more

Robert Hawker

Hawker's Poor Man's Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

(1) ¶ For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: (2) But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. (3) For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: (4) But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (5)... read more