AS AGITATORS YET STILL SPEAKING THE TRUTH (1 Thess. 2:3-16)
Introduction: Paul had visited Thessalonica on his second missionary journey in the year 50, and now he is writing to them from Corinth. In this chapter, the apostle responds to the accusations and lies that his opponents were spreading about him behind his back.
Verse 3
• How can anyone accuse Paul of such preaching?
• What does Paul mean by preaching that springs «from deceit or trickery»?
• What does Paul mean by preaching that comes from «an impure mind or dishonest motives»?
• Which of these false forms of preaching can be found in today’s Christian churches?
Verses 4-7a. The Greek text suggests in the verse 4 that Paul had passed some kind of test given by God.
• Consider what kind of test Paul had passed in his ministry.
• The Lord often tests the preacher before some important mission. What happens if the preacher fails his test?
• What would have happened if Paul had tried to please people or flatter them? What if he had pursued his own gain or sought profit under some pretext? (See verses 4-5.)
• How would Paul’s work have been affected if he had tried to gain honour from people?
• Why did Paul not demand the benefits that were due to him as an apostle?
• What do you think about the fact that Paul calls both Silas and Timothy apostles?
Verses 7b-9. «Our own selves», in Greek, «our psyche», our deepest being.
• Paul is generally regarded as a man of strong will and few emotions. Compare that image of the apostle to verses 7b and 8.
• Where did Paul find such great love for the newly converted Christians in Thessalonica, given that there were probably also some difficult people among them?
• Paul says that the message he proclaimed was “the gospel of God.” What effect does it have on a preacher if he is 100% sure his message comes from God?
• The word “labour” in verse 9 means extremely heavy toil. Why didn't Paul accept financial support from the Christians in Thessalonia in order to be able to rest for a while?
Verses 10-12
• Look at the three adjectives in verse 10. How can Paul say such words of praise about himself?
• Why did Paul call the Christians and even God as his witnesses in this matter?
• The word “each” or “everyone” in verse 11 is emphatic. Think what kind of arrangements it had taken for Paul to exhort and encourage each Thessalonian Christian individually?
• What is the difference between someone proclaiming the gospel without knowing their listeners, and proclaiming it in the way described in verses 8 and 11?
• What does Paul have in common with a good father?
• Why does every Christians need a shepherd—why are small groups, Christian media, and mass meetings not enough?
Verse 13
• How can Paul be certain that the word he preached in Thessalonica was the word of God?
• How can the Thessalonian Christians know that the word Paul preached was the word of God?
• What happens even today to a Christian who does not regard Paul’s words as God’s words?
Verses 14-16
• Why does Paul begin here to talk about the persecuted Christians in Judea?
• What effect did God’s word have on a) the Christians in Judea and b) the Christians in Thessalonica?
• What, in Paul's opinion, made the Jews in Judea the enemies of all people?
• What does Paul mean by saying that the persecutors of Christians are filling up the measure of their sins? What happens when that measure is full?
• What does Paul mean by saying that God’s wrath has already reached or will soon reach those who undermine missionary work? (Both translations are possible.)
• Some people think nowadays that Christian churches should repent and apologise for the missionary work they have done in the past? What do you think about that?
• What kind of places would Europe and America be if the gospel of Christ had never been preached among them?
• Where in this chapter is the gospel of grace?
Closing words: Paul’s words in verse 8 could just as well be the words of Jesus to us: So deeply do I care for you that I am determined to share with you not only the gospel but my own self, because you have become very dear to me.
***
Version for printing
Downloads
Contact us
Webmaster