I Thessalonians 2:3
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For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
For--The ground of his "boldness" (Th1 2:2), his freedom from all "deceit, uncleanness, and guile"; guile, before God, deceit (Greek, "imposture"), towards men (compare Co2 1:12; Co2 2:17; Eph 4:14); uncleanness, in relation to one's self (impure motives of carnal self-gratification in gain, Th1 2:5), or lust; such as actuated false teachers of the Gentiles (Phi 1:16; Pe2 2:10, Pe2 2:14; Jde 1:8; Rev 2:14-15). So Simon Magus and Cerinthus taught [ESTIUS]. exhortation--The Greek means "consolation" as well as "exhortation." The same Gospel which exhorts comforts. Its first lesson to each is that of peace in believing amidst outward and inward sorrows. It comforts them that mourn (compare Th1 2:11; Isa 61:2-3; Co2 1:3-4). of--springing from--having its source in--deceit, &c.
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 ↗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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For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.
Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”
For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.
For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.”
For you know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children—
For this reason God will send them a powerful delusion so that they believe the lie,