I Thessalonians 2:2
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As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
even after that we had suffered before--at Philippi (Acts 16:11-40): a circumstance which would have deterred mere natural, unspiritual men from further preaching. shamefully entreated--ignominiously scourged (Act 16:22-23). bold-- (Act 4:29; Eph 6:20). in our God--The ground of our boldness in speaking was the realization of God as "OUR God." with much contention--that is, literally, as of competitors in a contest: striving earnestness (Col 1:29; Col 2:1). But here outward conflict with persecutors, rather than inward and mental, was what the missionaries had to endure (Act 17:5-6; Phi 1:30).
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle puts the Thessalonians in mind of the manner of his preaching among them (Th1 2:1-6). Then of the manner of his conversation among them (Th1 2:7-12). Afterwards of the success of his ministry, with the effects both on himself and on them (Th1 2:13-16), and then apologizes for his absence (Th1 2:17-20).
Open source ↗2:2 Despite the dishonor and pain Paul and Silas had suffered in Philippi (Acts 16:19-40), they showed courage by preaching confidently in Thessalonica.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
Cross-references
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When they saw the boldness of Peter and John and realized that they were unschooled, ordinary men, they marveled and took note that these men had been with Jesus.
For this reason, even though I suffer as I do, I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed, and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him for that day.
But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!”
So Paul and Barnabas spent considerable time there, speaking boldly for the Lord, who affirmed the message of His grace by enabling them to perform signs and wonders.
For I want you to know how much I am struggling for you and for those at Laodicea, and for all who have not met me face to face,
because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with great conviction—just as you know we lived among you for your sake.
The apostles left the Sanhedrin, rejoicing that they had been counted worthy of suffering disgrace for the Name.
After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.
For we cannot stop speaking about what we have seen and heard.”
So he reasoned in the synagogue with the Jews and God-fearing Gentiles, and in the marketplace with those he met each day.