Authentic Ministry

Paul provides a glimpse of his ministry among the Thessalonians that shows us what authentic ministry looks like. Let’s see what we can learn from his example as he describes this for the Thessalonians. We’re using content from the CSB Life Connections Study Bible to shed light on his example and unpack what it means for us in the 21^st century.

OPEN: What’s been your favorite job in recent years?

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit with you was not without result. On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity or an intent to deceive. Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please people, but rather God, who examines our hearts. For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives — God is our witness —and we didn’t seek glory from people, either from you or from others.”
1 Thessalonians 2:1–6

2:2 WE WERE EMBOLDENED BY OUR GOD TO SPEAK THE GOSPEL. Paul was as susceptible to fear in difficult situations as anyone (Ac 18:9–10; Php 1:20). His strength, as he continually declares, is found in God.

2:3 ERROR . . . IMPURITY . . . INTENT TO DECEIVE. Philosopher-preachers, magicians, and advocates of exotic religions who circulated during this period were characterized as appealing to the superstitious sensitivities of people to enhance their reputations and pocketbooks. See Paul’s rejection of these motivations in vv. 5–6.

CONSIDER (vv. 1–6): Reading between the lines, what do you think those opposed to Paul had been telling the Christians in Thessalonica? What did Paul accuse those who opposed him of practicing in that church?

Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles, instead we were gentle among you, as a nurse nurtures her own children. We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Working night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you believers. As you know, like a father with his own children, we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.”
1 Thessalonians 2:7–12

2:7 GENTLE . . . AS A NURSE. Paul was not hesitant to use this female imagery for himself as he described his love for his spiritual children.

2:11 LIKE A FATHER WITH HIS OWN CHILDREN. In some respects, Paul was what a single parent must be—both mother (v. 7) and father. In the ancient world, the father’s role was to see that his children learned how to live as responsible citizens.

CONSIDER (vv. 7–12): What metaphors did Paul use to describe his ministry? Who has been a spiritual caregiver in your life?

This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also works effectively in you who believe. For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, since you have also suffered the same things from people of your own country, just as they did from the Jews who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and persecuted us. They displease God and are hostile to everyone, by keeping us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. As a result, they are constantly filling up their sins to the limit, and wrath has overtaken them at last.”
1 Thessalonians 2:13–16

2:14 THE SAME THINGS . . . JUST AS THEY DID FROM THE JEWS. As in John’s Gospel, Paul often uses the term “Jews” when referring to the entrenched opposition of the Jewish religious leaders to Christianity. While the prime opposition to Jesus and the early church came from these leaders, it must be remembered that the first church was almost entirely Jewish in its makeup.

2:15–16 HOSTILE TO EVERYONE, BY KEEPING US FROM SPEAKING TO THE GENTILES. Prior to their visit to Thessalonica, Paul had encountered Jewish opposition in Antioch of Pisidia (Ac 13:50), Iconium (Ac 14:2), and Lystra, where he was stoned (Ac 14:19). The Thessalonian Jews forced Paul not only to leave that city but also Berea (Ac 17:5, 13). In Corinth, from where he probably wrote this letter, he likewise suffered at the hands of Jewish opposition (Ac 18:12).

CONSIDER (vv. 13–16): What evidence has helped you accept the Bible as God’s Word rather than a message from people? How are people and organizations attempting to limit the gospel message in today’s culture?

WORSHIP (v. 13): Make a list of fellow Christians you have had the privilege of serving and ministering to. Spend time thanking God for each person on that list—and thanking God for his grace in their lives.

But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face. So we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan hindered us. For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? Indeed you are our glory and joy!”
1 Thessalonians 2:17–20

2:17 FORCED TO LEAVE YOU. Literally, this is “to be bereaved.” It was a term that was used to describe the anguish of a parent being forcibly separated from his or her children.

2:18 SATAN HINDERED US. Whether Paul’s forced change of plans was due to sickness, inability to make travel arrangements, or some other factor is unknown, but ultimately, he attributes this frustration to Satan, God’s adversary. At other times, Paul sees roadblocks to his plans as the leading of the Holy Spirit (Ac 16:7). The difference may be that whereas one set of difficulties ends up in the spread of the gospel, at another time those difficulties would hinder that process which delayed the mission that Paul was trying to accomplish.

CONSIDER (vv. 17–20): How should we understand Satan’s role in the world today?

APPLY: When was a time when you failed in recent months? What important lessons have you learned from failure?

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