Continuing to recall his own witness and that of his fellow workers in Thessalonica, Paul draws attention to...
Continuing to recall his own witness and that of his fellow workers in Thessalonica, Paul draws attention to some of the features that made it successful. He mentions two things in particular: his and his companions' sincerity, and the complete trust with which they placed themselves in the hands of their Thessalonian hosts, who received them after the persecution the preachers had suffered in Philippi (vv. 1–2). A preacher spreading a new teaching sincerely believed to be true often finds it difficult to resist adding something of their own: their own ideas, or the ordinary, very human desire to show off or assert themselves through the interest their preaching arouses. Paul and his companions, however, according to the apostle's own testimony, never tried to preach their own ideas or views, nor to be insincere or deceitful in order to please their listeners (vv. 3–5).
This was undoubtedly important, not only because any direct or indirect deceit would violate the ninth commandment, but also because it would nullify the witness, leaving only human preaching—the preaching of an idea rather than testimony to Christ and the Kingdom. Indeed, one can testify to the Kingdom only when it is visible, when it stands behind the witness's words just as Christ stands behind them, provided that the witness remains Christ's witness rather than a preacher of personal ideas alone. That is precisely why, whenever a witness to Christ and the Kingdom adds something personal and merely human to their testimony, it inevitably distorts that testimony. The more sincerely listeners seek the genuine reality at the foundation of spiritual life, even if they do not yet know what it is, the sooner they usually notice such falseness.
No less important for successful witness is the openness the apostle describes when he says they were ready to share with their listeners not only the good news but their own life, their “soul” (vv. 6–9). This was essential not only because complete sincerity in relationships is difficult to expect without such openness, but also because without it there can be no experience of shared life in the Kingdom. Far from effacing the person, the Kingdom nevertheless destroys every barrier separating people, including those that, from the perspective of our world not yet transfigured, seem not only permissible but positively necessary. By renouncing those barriers in favor of the utmost openness, Paul and his companions gave the future converts a vivid example of relationships in the Kingdom—relationships into which they were drawing their future brothers. Thus the apostle and his fellow workers offered future converts living examples of the Kingdom's life and relationships, allowing them a spiritual foretaste of the life that awaited them if they converted.
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2:1 What was proposed, 1 Фес 1:5-6, is now more largely treated of: concerning Paul and his fellowlabourers, 1 Фес 2:1-12; concerning the Thessalonians, 1 Фес 2:13-16.
2:2 We had suffered - In several places. We are bold - Notwithstanding. With much contention - Notwithstanding bothinward and outward conflicts of all kinds.
2:3 For our exhortation - That is, our preaching. A part is put for the whole. Is not, at any time, of deceit - We preach not a lie, but the truth of God. Nor of uncleanness - With any unholy or selfish view. This expression is not always appropriated to lust, although it is sometimes emphatically applied thereto.Nor in guile - But with great plainness of speech.
2:5 Flattering words - This ye know. Nor a cloak of covetousness - Of this God is witness. He calls men to witness an open fact; God, the secret intentions of the heart. In a point of a mixed nature, 1 Фес 2:10, he appeals both to God and man.
2:6 Nor from others - Who would have honoured us more, if we had been burdensome - That is, taken state upon ourselves.
2:7 But we were gentle - Mild, tender. In the midst of you - Like a hen surrounded with her young. Even as a nurse cherisheth her own children - The offspring of her own womb.
2:8 To impart our own souls - To lay down our lives for your sake.
2:10 Holily - In the things of God. Justly - With regard to men.Unblamable - In respect of ourselves. Among you that believe - Who were the constant observers of our behaviour.
2:11 By exhorting, we are moved to do a thing willingly; by comforting, to do it joyfully; by charging, to do it carefully.
2:12 To his kingdom here, and glory hereafter.