1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Q.1. What attitude toward God and men motivated Paul to preach the Gospel? – (1 Thes.2:1-4)
Most people would have given up after the mistreatment Paul and his companions had suffered at Philippi and Thessalonica (c.f. Acts 16:1-24; 17:1-9). However, Paul recalled that – we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition (1 Thes.2:2). He remembered how they had responded so magnificently to the Gospel which God had entrusted to him – … so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts (1 Thes.2:4). Paul saw his ministry as both a manward concern for the lost, and also a Godward desire for approval of the ministry to which he had been called.
Q.2. What was it about Paul’s style of ministry that so endeared himself to his hearers? – (1 Thes.2:5-8)
Paul’s style was utterly transparent and without an agenda for personal gain (1 Thes.2:5). He avoided using his apostolic authority for personal acclaim or financial gain (1 Thes.2:6). This set him apart from other workers, as he displayed the tender care that a nursing mother gives her baby (1 Thes.2:7). In fact, not only did these apostles impart the Gospel, but they also modelled the faith. They did this by giving of their own lives to build up the new believers at Thessalonica. These believers had become precious to Paul and his team (1 Thes.2:8). Love is recognizable in every culture and transcends all languages.