FocusSincere, gentle, and diligent service
Connection to the wholePaul recalls how the team lived among the readers, presenting their conduct as evidence of genuine concern rather than exploitation.
interpretation 1 Thessalonians 2:3
KJVFor our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
Read it in context
The missionaries' conduct
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 2:1 (1 Thessalonians 2:1 to 1 Thessalonians 2:12).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Paul recalls how the team lived among the readers, presenting their conduct as evidence of genuine concern rather than exploitation.
- 2:1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
- 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.
- 2:3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
- 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.
- 2:5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
- 2:6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
- 2:7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
- 2:8 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.
- 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.
- 2:10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
- 2:11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
- 2:12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
Who
- Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. stated in the text
- Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Thessalonians 1:1–3:13): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about its reception of the gospel, afflictions, and Timothy's report. stated in the text
- Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, including converts who had turned from idols. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. stated in the text
What
- What is the topic of this reading unit? The missionaries' conduct. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:1 through 1 Thessalonians 2:12 as a connected unit. interpretation
- How does it contribute to the book? Paul recalls how the team lived among the readers, presenting their conduct as evidence of genuine concern rather than exploitation. interpretation
When
- When are the events or message set? The letter recalls the founding ministry and Timothy's report and addresses the church's present questions. It does not provide a calendar date. book background
Where
- What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; Athens and Macedonia appear in the account of separation and ministry. book background
- Where does the context start? This passage sits in The missionaries' conduct (1 Thessalonians 2:1 to 1 Thessalonians 2:12). Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 2:1. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
- How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The readers have turned to serve the living and true God and await His Son. The coming of the Lord grounds comfort concerning believers who have died and exhortations to holy living. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18. interpretation
- How should this book guide our response? Encourage one another, work responsibly, and pursue holiness. Use the coming of the Lord for the comfort and watchfulness the letter calls for rather than speculative date-setting. interpretation
Cited: 1 Thessalonians 2:1, 1 Thessalonians 2:12, 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18
Who wrote it, and how we know
Paul the apostle
Named in Scripture
What Scripture saysPaul names himself in the opening verse.
1 Thessalonians 1:1
Early traditionUniform tradition names Paul.
Related passages
- For our exhortation was not of deceit, no… 1 Thess 2:5-6,11 1 Thess 4:1-2 Num 16:15 1 Sam 12:3 Acts 20:33-34 2 Cor 2:17 2 Cor 4:2,5 2 Cor 7:2
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Thessalonians 2
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 1:10
The word received amid suffering
1 Thessalonians 2:13–16FocusGod's word at work
Connection to the wholeThe readers' reception of the message and endurance under opposition connect them with other suffering churches.
interpretation Separation and longing
1 Thessalonians 2:17–20FocusThe church as joy and crown
Connection to the wholePaul explains his desire to return and the hindrance he encountered, preparing the account of Timothy's mission in chapter 3.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Thessalonians
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
1 Thessalonians 1:1 1 Thessalonians 1:9 1 Thessalonians 1:10
Thanksgiving for the church
1 Thessalonians 1:1–10FocusFaith, love, and hope
Connection to the wholeThe readers' response to the gospel and their witness to others introduce the letter's recurring themes of service, endurance, and expectation.
interpretation FocusSincere service and continuing concern
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the mission and separation, explains Timothy's visit, and prays for the church's growth and establishment in holiness.
interpretation A walk pleasing to God
1 Thessalonians 4:1–12FocusSanctification, love, and work
Connection to the wholePractical instruction defines the holy and responsible life expected of the believers who received the gospel.
interpretation Hope and readiness
1 Thessalonians 4:13–5:11FocusThe dead in Christ and the day of the Lord
Connection to the wholePaul addresses grief and timing, joining the resurrection hope with sober, wakeful conduct rather than speculation.
interpretation Life together and final prayer
1 Thessalonians 5:12–28FocusOrder, discernment, and sanctification
Connection to the wholeThe closing instructions describe mutual care and spiritual discernment, ending with prayer for the church's preservation.
interpretation Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.