1 Thessalonians2
English Standard Version
Tap any underlined word for the original Hebrew or Greek.
1 you , , in .
2 we had already been , you , we had to the of in the midst .
3 does spring any to ,
4 we have been to be with the , we , , to please who .
5 we of , you , with a for — is .
6 did we , , though we of .
7 we , a taking of own .
8 , being affectionately of , we were to with the of our , you had very to .
9 you , , : we , we be a to of , while we the of .
10 are , also, was our toward .
11 you , a with ,
12 we of in a manner of , who own .
13 And , when you the of , which you , you it as the of what it , the of , is at .
14 , , of the of . the your they the ,
15 who the , out,
16 by from to the they might be —so to the measure of . has !
17 since were , , a , in in , we the and to face to ,
18 we to — , , — .
19 is of ? it ?
20 .
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1 Thessalonians 2Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Thessalonians 2. The full AI study guide (summary, themes, context) has its own page.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle reminds the Thessalonians of his preaching and behaviour. (1–12). And of their receiving the gospel as the word of God. (13–16). His joy on their account. (17–20).
vv1-6
The apostle had no wordly design in his preaching. Suffering in a good cause should sharpen holy resolution. The gospel of Christ at first met with much opposition; and it was preached with contention, with striving in preaching, and against opposition. And as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. The gospel of Christ is designed for mortifying corrupt affections, and that men may be brought under the power of faith. This is the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only sees all we do, but knows our thoughts afar off, and searches the heart. And it is from this God who trieth our hearts, that we must receive our reward. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity were, that he avoided flattery and covetousness. He avoided ambition and vain-glory.
vv7-12
Mildness and tenderness greatly recommend religion, and are most conformable to God's gracious dealing with sinners, in and by the gospel. This is the way to win people. We should not only be faithful to our calling as Christians, but in our particular callings and relations. Our great gospel privilege is, that God has called us to his kingdom and glory. The great gospel duty is, that we walk worthy of God. We should live as becomes those called with such a high and holy calling. Our great business is to honour, serve, and please God, and to seek to be worthy of him.
vv13-16
We should receive the word of God with affections suitable to its holiness, wisdom, truth, and goodness. The words of men are frail and perishing, like themselves, and sometimes false, foolish, and fickle; but God's word is holy, wise, just, and faithful. Let us receive and regard it accordingly. The word wrought in them, to make them examples to others in faith and good works, and in patience under sufferings, and in trials for the sake of the gospel. Murder and persecution are hateful to God, and no zeal for any thing in religion can excuse it. Nothing tends more to any person or people's filling up the measure of their sins, than opposing the gospel, and hindering the salvation of souls. The pure gospel of Christ is abhorred by many, and the faithful preaching of it is hindered in many ways. But those who forbid the preaching it to sinners, to men dead in sin, do not by this please God. Those have cruel hearts, and are enemies to the glory of God, and to the salvation of his people, who deny them the Bible.
Key Words
γάρ (gár): properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
αὐτός (autós): the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the third person , and (with the proper personal pronoun) of the other persons
εἴδω (eídō): used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι) and G3708 (ὁράω); properly, to see (literally or figuratively); by implication, (in the perfect tense only) to know
ἀδελφός (adelphós): a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α))
ὅτι (hóti): demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
ἡμῶν (hēmōn): of (or from) us
εἴσοδος (eísodos): an entrance (literally or figuratively)
πρός (prós): a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e. pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of, i.e. near to; usually with the accusative case, the place, time, occasion, or respect, which is the destination of the relation, i.e. whither or for which it is predicated)
ὑμᾶς (hymâs): you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
γίνομαι (gínomai): to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2Acts historical account of Paul being shamefully beaten and imprisoned at Philippi before coming to Thessalonica.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Parallel emphasis on seeking to please God who tests hearts rather than pleasing men.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Repeats Paul's deliberate choice to labor night and day to avoid being a financial burden.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Contrast between corrupting/peddling the word of God and preaching with sincerity without guile.
Supported by JFB
Paul's solemn appeal that he coveted no man's silver, gold, or apparel.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Corroborates Paul's practice of refusing financial support to avoid being burdensome to the churches.
Supported by JFB
Christ's condemnation of the Jews for killing the prophets and filling up their sins.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Historical account of the Thessalonian Jews opposing the gospel out of envy.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Connects the powerful entrance of the gospel to it not being in vain.
Supported by JFB
Identifies Paul's manual labor (tentmaking) to support his gospel ministry.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Exhortation to walk worthy of the Lord, pleasing Him in all respects.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Paul's frequent desire to visit believers being repeatedly hindered by external forces.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The saints being Paul's mutual boast and crown in the day of the Lord.
Supported by JFB
Parallel reference regarding how others reported Paul's successful entrance among them.
Supported by JFB