1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-13 - APOSTLE PAUL, A MANNY?

1 THESSALONIANS 2:7-13

APOSTLE PAUL, A MANNY?

(A male nanny)

1 Thessalonians 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Paul saw the new converts at Thessalonica as his spiritual babies, nurturing them with the Gospel. He realized they were now knit together, soul to soul. He compares himself to a mother suckling her infant, tenderly caring for his children in the faith. These children were ravenously hungry for the word and its nourishment.

1 Thessalonians 2:9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Paul did not want to be a burden to these new believers, so he and his companions worked to pay their own way (see also 2 Thessalonians 3:7-9). He industriously worked as a tent-maker by day and poured himself out as a preacher as often as possible, proclaiming the Gospel with Holy Spirit power.

1 Thessalonians 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

Paul reminded the Thessalonians that they could personally vouch for his character and exemplary behavior while among them. He also cited God as a witness  to his righteous living and as his chief advocate.

1 Thessalonians 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Paul had the heart of a nurturing father toward those he had introduced to Jesus. Paul inspired, encouraged, and consoled them. He charged them to live in a way that reflected their commitment to Jesus and showed evidence of the change their relationship with God had made in their lives.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

1 Thessalonians 2:13 (NIV) And we also thank God continually because, when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe.

Paul was thankful the Lord had opened the eyes of the Thessalonians to receive the Gospel not as his own words but as the word of God. Not only were their eyes opened, but their hearts were quickened to receive the message of truth and trust Jesus to redeem them. Paul noted that their lives showed evidence that the Lord was at work in them.

APPLICATIONS:

1.       Paul did not stop after introducing people to the Gospel. He spent time nurturing these baby Christians. Do you know a newer believer that you need to disciple?

2.       Paul recognized that it was not his own words but the word of God that changed people’s lives. Are you relying on your own power to witness and teach, or do you realize that this must be the Holy Spirit’s work through you?