“For you yourselves know brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. For our exhortation did not come from deceit or uncleanness, nor was it in guile. But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts.” 1 Thessalonians 2:1-4.

The above has been included to maintain context. This post will cover verses 5 through 20 only.

“For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.” 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6.

Paul goes on to say here that they did not flatter with words to win over their listeners, a tactic used by those who want something from you.

“Let me not, I pray, show partiality to anyone; nor let me flatter any man. For I do not know how to flatter, else my Maker would soon take me away.” Job 32:21-22.

“Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies; make Your way straight before my face. For there is no faithfulness in their mouth; their inward part is destruction; their throat is an open tomb; they flatter with their tongue.” Psalm 5: 8-9.

“A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, and a flattering mouth works ruin.” Proverbs 26:28.

“Now I urge you, brethren, note those who cause divisions and offenses, contrary to the doctrine which you learned, and avoid them. For those who are such do not serve our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly, and by smooth words and flattering speech deceive the hearts of the simple.” Romans 16:17-18.

“For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness – God is witness.” 1 Thessalonians 2:5.

Covetousness in this case means greed, and a false prophet who starts a church or ministry with some sweetly worded demonic doctrine is a way of getting rich at the expense of the poor and the gullible. And an express ticket to hell.

The apostles did not seek glory, or make demands as they well could have if they wanted to make something of their status as apostles of Christ. Nor did they greedily seek gifts or money.

“If anyone teaches otherwise and does not consent to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness, he is proud, knowing nothing, but is obsessed with disputes and arguments over words, from which come envy, strife, reviling, evil suspicions, useless wranglings of men of corrupt minds and destitute of the truth, who suppose that godliness is a means of gain. From such withdraw yourself. But godliness with contentment is great gain. For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. And having food and clothing, with these we shall be content.” 1 Timothy 6:3-8.

“But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12.

There is little doubt that these men loved the Thessalonians, but it can also be seen that God in Christ also loves them through the apostles. This is a supernatural love engendered by the Holy Spirit to care for these children of God and it shows two aspects of God the Father which are easily missed.

These men acted as affectionately as a nursing mother toward these babes in Christ. A nursing mother is available to her children at all times, tenderly caring for them rather than being harsh with them because it inconveniences her.

In this, we can see God acting as a mother to the motherless, gently watching over them at all times.

For those who have lost their mother, never known her, or she was cold and harsh. Turn to God as your mother and put yourself under His tender care; after all He created both man and woman and gave them their maternal or fatherly instincts. Who better to step in when you need a mother’s love?

There are those who twist the Scriptures and try to say that God is a goddess; this is not what is meant here, He is still God the Father with all the dignity of Creator, but He has the ability to meet all of your needs in Christ Jesus.

If you are suffering, avail yourself of all God can do, sit on His lap, let Him embrace you as though you were in your mother’s arms, He will never reject you.

Notice too that in these verses Paul speaks of the following.

“…as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, that you would have a walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.” 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12.

We now have both sides of the coin, the mother who gently guides and cares tenderly for her children, and the father who cares for and teaches with authority and by example the way in which the child should go.

This is why a family has both mother and father; each has a part in the upbringing of the child, boy or girl. It is the abandonment of this God ordained relationship that is destroying our civilization.

Finally in verse 9 Paul states.

“For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you…” 1 Thessalonians 2:9a.

The meaning here is that Paul and the others worked at jobs during the day to support themselves; the Apostle Paul being a tentmaker by trade.

“For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.” 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16.

This book of First Thessalonians was written circa 51 A.D. meaning the wrath spoken of here would fall in just nineteen years in 70 A.D. when Titus and the Roman Legions besieged Jerusalem, sacked it, destroyed the temple and killed an estimated one million Jews.

Many of the survivors were sold into slavery, and the Jews were displaced, from their homeland for about 1800 years until 1948. And it is not over yet.

“But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Therefore we wanted to come to you – even I, Paul, time and again – but Satan hindered us.” 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18.

“…but Satan hindered us” How is that possible if they are apostles of Christ? It would seem that if you are doing the work of the Lord that He would open doors for you and keep Satan from interfering.

“Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ’s gospel, and a door was opened to me by the Lord…” 2 Corinthians 2:12.

“Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains…” Colossians 4:2-3.

Even more curious, this man is one of the greatest of the apostles, having written most of the New Testament.

The first question might be how did Satan hinder the apostle?

If you read the account of Paul’s arrival in Macedonia in Acts chapters 16:6 through 17:15 and seen how he was driven from the cities of Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea by evil men who were energized by Satan, it will become evident that one of Satan’s devices is to use wicked men to carry out his purposes.

It is possible then that they were hindered by men in one way or another.

The next question would be where did Satan get the authority to hinder the spread of the gospel? You may already be aware that Satan can do nothing without God’s permission. The account in the book of Job makes this quite clear.

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Does Job fear God for nothing? Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. But now, stretch out Your hand and touch all that he has, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’ So the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person.’ Then Satan went out from the presence of the Lord.” Job 1:8-12.

“Then the Lord said to Satan, ‘Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil? And still he holds fast to his integrity, although you incited Me against him, to destroy him without cause.’ So Satan answered the Lord and said, ‘Skin for skin! Yes, all that a man has he will give for his life. But stretch out Your hand now, and touch his bone and his flesh, and he will surely curse You to Your face!’ So the Lord said to Satan, ‘Behold, he is in your hand, but spare his life.’” Job 2:3-6.

A good man is cruelly tried, the good news is hindered, and the Apostle Paul himself has, a thorn in the flesh.

“And lest I should be exalted above measure by the abundance of the revelations, a thorn in the flesh was given to me, a messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I be exalted above measure. Concerning this thing I pleaded with the Lord three times that it might depart from me. And He said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Corinthians 12:7-9.

So Satan was allowed to interfere in God’s work, yet it is stated twice that the Holy Spirit forbade Paul to go into certain areas. Why could the Spirit not be the one to forbid their return to Thessalonica?

“…they were forbidden by the Holy Spirit to preach the word in Asia.” Acts 16:6b.

“…they tried to go into Bithynia, but the Spirit did not permit them.” Acts 16:7b.

A possible explanation might be that there are many things in life that have to be experienced rather than told.

Job learned of the glory of God and just how sinful he himself was from his experience.

The Thessalonian Christians were forced to grow in Christ and by Christ without the visible protective hands of the apostles.

The apostle himself may have found that he had to rely on Christ far more than he had thought. And of course, as can be seen in the letter itself, Paul felt the longing to go someplace that he could not.

The work of God is indeed curious, but we must rely on His faithfulness.

“And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose.” Romans 8:28.

“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy.” 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20.

Chapter two is ended in much the same manner as chapter one with the mention of Christ’s return.

“…and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thessalonians 1:10.

These continual references to the return of Christ indicate that His return is imminent, it can happen any moment. In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, and the Christians will be gone from the earth, and the world will never be the same again.

Not in Vain, 1 Thessalonians 2:5-20 taken from godisrevealed.com posted on 8-31-13, updated on 12-28-20.

Scripture taken from the New King James Version copyright 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission, all rights reserved.