1 Thessalonians 2:3-6 NIV

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. As he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity, so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their office: You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you. Note, It is a great comfort to a minister to have his own conscience and the... read more

William Barclay

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

2:1-12 You yourselves know, brothers, that our coming among you was not to no effect; but after we had--as you know--already undergone suffering and ill-treatment at Philippi, we were bold in our God to tell you the good news of God, and a sore struggle we had. Our appeal to you did not proceed from any delusion, nor from impure motives, nor was it calculated to deceive; but as we have been deemed worthy by God to be entrusted with the good news, so we speak, not as if we were seeking to... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:3

For our exhortation ,.... Or "consolation"; for the ministry of the Gospel, which is here meant, consists of doctrines full of comfort to distressed minds, such as free justification by the righteousness of Christ, full pardon by his blood, and complete satisfaction by his sacrifice; as well as of exhortations to the exercise of grace and discharge of duty: and this was not of deceit ; or "error", was not "fallacious", as the Ethiopic version renders it; it consisted of nothing but... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:4

But as we were allowed of God ,.... Or, "approved of God"; not that there were any previous fitness and worthiness in them to be ministers of the word; but such was the good will and pleasure of God, that he from all eternity chose and appointed them to this work; and in his own time by his grace called them to it, and by his gifts qualified them for it, who otherwise were unworthy of it, and insufficient for it: to be put in trust with the Gospel ; which is of great worth and value, a... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:5

For neither at any time used we flattering words ,.... To introduce them into the affections, and gain the esteem and good will of men; they did not in their ministry deliver such things as flattered men with a good opinion of themselves: they did not preach up the purity of human nature, but on the contrary the doctrine of original sin, the imputation of Adam's transgression to his posterity, and the corruption of all human nature; they asserted the universal pollution of it, of all men,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory ,.... Honour, esteem, and popular applause; for though there is an honour that is due to the faithful ministers of the word, who are highly to be esteemed for their works' sake, and as ministers of Christ, and stewards of the mysteries of God; and especially there was an honour and glory that belonged to the apostles of Christ as such, who were set in the highest office and place in the church; yet they did not seek after it as the Pharisees and false teachers did,... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:3

Our exhortation - The word παρακλησις has a very extensive meaning; it signifies not only exhortation and teaching in general, but also encouragement, consolation, and the like. When the apostles exhorted or admonished men, it was that they should turn from evil to good, from misery to happiness, from Satan to God, and from hell to heaven. Their exhortations having this object, every word was consolatory; and as the truth which they delivered was unquestionable, therefore their ministry... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:4

But as we were allowed of God - Καθως δεδοκιμασμεθα· As we were accounted worthy to be put in trust - as God put confidence in us, and sent us on his most especial message to mankind, even so we speak, keeping the dignity of our high calling continually in view; and, acting as in the sight of God, we speak not to please or flatter men, though our doctrine is the most consolatory that can be conceived, but to please that God who searcheth the heart, and before whom all our motives are... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:5

Flattering words - Though we proclaimed the Gospel or glad tidings, yet we showed that without holiness none should see the Lord. Ye know - That while we preached the whole Gospel we never gave any countenance to sin. For a cloak of covetousness - We did not seek temporal emolument; nor did we preach the Gospel for a cloak to our covetousness: God is witness that we did not; we sought you, not yours. Hear this, ye that preach the Gospel! Can ye call God to witness that in preaching... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:6

Nor of men sought we glory - As we preached not for worldly gain, so we preached not for popular applause; we had what we sought for-the approbation of God, and the testimony of a good conscience. When we might have been burdensome - They had a right to their maintenance while they devoted themselves wholly to the work of the Gospel for the sake of the people's souls. Others understand the words εν βαρει ειναι , to be honorable; we sought no glory of you nor of others, though we were... read more

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

William Barclay's Daily Study Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:3

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:4

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:5

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 2:6

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:3

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:4

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:5

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 2:6

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