1 Thessalonians 2:1-6

2 Thess 2:1 "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 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: 6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ."

In this chapter Paul reviews how the ministry and the gospel had come to the church at Thessalonica.

“For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:” Paul tells the church how the coming of the ministry and the gospel had not been in vain but had born fruit.

“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.” Paul is here referring to what is recorded for us in Acts Chapter 16. Paul and Silas had been beaten and imprisoned at Philippi for casting out an unclean spirit out of a woman and thus had destroyed the gain to her masters. After they were released they came to Thessalonica and were not deterred by the evil treatment of evil men but were bold to proclaim the gospel of the grace of Christ even though there were those who contended with them. This is certainly an example for God’s ministers in all ages.

“For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:” Exhortation is defined as comfort, consolation, entreaty. This should be the desire and object of those who preach the gospel to God’s people. The gospel minister should not use deceit in his preaching nor be unclean physically or morally before the Lord’s people. Moreover, the ministry should avoid guile (trickery) in appealing to the Lord’s people. An example of using guile would be where a minister tells a story in order to appeal to the emotions of God’s people. The gospel itself is more than sufficient to evoke the emotions of God’s people without using other means.

“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.” God chooses and calls his gospel ministers. In this calling they are placed in positions of trust with the gospel. A person put in trust should be faithful to the one who put him in the position of trust. Thus our trust should not be used to please men but to please God who placed him in that position of trust. Moreover, the gospel minister should realize that God tries our hearts and knows what our motive is.

“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness:” How different was Paul’s and Silas’ preaching to much of the modern religions preaching. They refused to use flattery in their preaching. This greatly contrasts with the so-called “prosperity gospel” of our age. The main emphasis there is to make people feel good about themselves and to tell the people what they want to hear. Moreover, Paul and Silas were not covetous in their preaching and teaching. They stand as a great contrast to the multi-millionaires of our day who have gained their material prosperity through preaching the so-called “prosperity gospel” and through covetousness, deceit, guile, flattery, and men-pleasing tactics have bilked many of the Lord’s poor out of their life savings.

“Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.” Again, Paul, Silas, the apostles, and the God called ministry of that age stand in stark contrast to the modern days preachers who seek the glory, honor, and praise of men rather than to give praise, honor, and glory to God for his grace. A true God-called ministry should follow the pattern of Paul, Silas, the apostles, and the God-called ministers of that age.