1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-6 - UNDANTED, PAUL TENACIOUSLY TESTIFIED

1 THESSALONIANS 2:1-6

UNDAUNTED,

PAUL TENACIOUSLY TESTIFIED

1 Thessalonians 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

Paul reminded the Thessalonian believers that his visit to their city had merit, that the Gospel had a transformative impact on them. Many of them had received Christ due to Paul’s teaching.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 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.

In Philippi, Paul and Silas were falsely accused and brought before the authorities:

Acts 16:22-24 (KJV) 22 And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat them. 23 And when they had laid many stripes upon them, they cast them into prison, charging the jailor to keep them safely: 24 Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

Paul encountered similar difficulties in Thessalonica:

Acts 17:1-7 (KJV) Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: 2 And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, 3 Opening and alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ. 4 And some of them believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas; and of the devout Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few. 5 But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people. 6 And when they found them not, they drew Jason and certain brethren unto the rulers of the city, crying, These that have turned the world upside down are come hither also; 7 Whom Jason hath received: and these all do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus.

Even though Paul and company were embroiled in spiritual and physical battle on every side, they tenaciously continued to share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

Unlike false teachers, Paul spoke the truth. His message was genuine and sincere from God’s heart through him. He did not have sexual or deceitful motives, but spoke from a pure heart. His desire was to impart wisdom and understanding about the true God and His saving grace empowered by His Holy Spirit.

1 Thessalonians 2:4 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.

The Lord had entrusted Paul with His message of reconciliation, even compelling him to preach.

1 Corinthians 9:16 (KJV) For though I preach the gospel, I have nothing to glory of: for necessity is laid upon me; yea, woe is unto me, if I preach not the gospel!

Father God gave Paul the privilege and responsibility of disseminating His most treasured gift of the Gospel to the Jews first and then to the Gentiles. Paul was not concerned about other people’s opinions of him because his work was unto the Lord, not to please men. Paul’s primary concern was to please the audience of One.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke 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.

Paul was in no way deceptive or pretentious with the Thessalonians or anyone else. Paul was all about God and the people, not about himself. He did not puff himself up and say, “Listen to me because I’m above all of you since I’m an apostle.” He was not haughty or arrogant about his apostolic position. He was selfless. His motivation was obedience to his calling from God and love for others, desiring them to know Jesus as he did. He worked, not for the praise of men or women, but solely for the glory of his heavenly Father.

PONDER THIS: How quickly do we give up sharing the Gospel when we meet opposition? Do we continue to tell others about Jesus even when we meet with ridicule? May Paul’s example inspire us to be undaunted when it comes to spreading the Good News of salvation through Jesus Christ! May we be called “Those who have turned the world upside down” like Paul!