1 Thessalonians 2:1-8 – Serve God’s people honestly and gently

Paul brought the Gospel to the Thessalonians amidst great hostility. He wanted them to know that what he did was not a failure. Although his mission was frayed with much hardship, mistreatment and afflictions, especially at Philippi, he did not give up. He pursued his purpose. Although it was difficult, he committedly and willingly brought the good news to the Thessalonians. We get a hint that he was misunderstood. So he set out to defend himself and his apostleship.

In verses 3-4, Paul wanted the believers to view him and his apostleship from the perspective of what God had entrusted to him. He wanted them to know that he had been placed in the role of a trustee. As such, he had a sacred trust – the Gospel. His trusteeship was appointed by God. Thus, he was accountable to God and he carried out his assignment with the view of pleasing God. To him, God would be the One examining his heart. In verse 3, Paul used a series of negatives to make his appeal. Firstly, he told them that he did not operate out of error because the Gospel is the Truth. Secondly, he did not operate out of impurity. It could be possible that they were insinuating that Paul was immoral. However, it is very likely that they were referring to his motive. Thirdly, he did not operate from deceit to trap them into believing his preaching.

His motive, Paul assured them was pure. He did not use flattery words just to gain self-ascendancy. Neither did he have any thought of selfish gain. He was so confident that he even called God to be his witness. Although as an apostle he could have claimed some honor, he did not. He refused even to secretly wish for praise from the Thessalonians or from men. Instead, like a nursing mother, he tenderly and gently cared for them like they were his babies. Furthermore, because they were very dear to him, he was both affectionate and sacrificial toward them, enough to pour out his life for them.

One of the tests of a genuine believer in his or her service to God can be seen in that person’s motive despite affliction. Paul had every right to forcefully demand obedience as an apostle and founder of the church in Thessalonica, but he didn’t. He did not hit out in frustration at the Thessalonians in his hardship. Instead, he gently nursed them as a mother would to her baby. He had passed the first test of a genuine server. Paul and his companions set for us on what we must do to be effective in our service to God and His people – be gentle and honest. So let’s emulate Paul and serve God’s people honestly and tenderly for His glory!