1 Thessalonians 2:1-3
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 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. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 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. 3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
Suffering has eternal purpose. Paul and company suffered greatly to persist in preaching the gospel and were treated with extreme prejudice and spite, and here remind those in the church at Thessaloniki of the importance of the gospel and their souls over comfort or ease. They spoke boldly, holding nothing back to protect themselves, but threw themselves directly into the fray to ensure God’s words of life in Christ Jesus were told. The conflict they encountered did not stop their work of love for God and man. They also made it clear that their motivation was pure and honest; they had no hidden agenda or motive in pleading with the Thessalonians (or Philippians), but cleanly and openly brought God’s truth to bear on their lives for eternal good. We now can do the same, honestly and openly bringing the gospel and subsequent instruction to others. Making disciples of all nations requires the gospel of grace and teaching them all things, holding nothing back. Do we imitate these?
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