I Thessalonians 2
A plain-spoken deep dive on the whole chapter. Read the chapter →
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
Our entrance in unto you - His first coming to preach the Gospel was particularly owned of the Lord, many of them having been converted under his ministry. This consideration gave him a right to deliver all the following exhortations.
Open source ↗HIS MANNER OF PREACHING, AND THEIRS OF RECEIVING, THE GOSPEL; HIS DESIRE TO HAVE REVISITED THEM FRUSTRATED BY SATAN. (1Th. 2:1-20) For--confirming Th1 1:9. He discusses the manner of his fellow missionaries' preaching among them (Th1 1:5, and former part of Th1 2:9) at Th1 2:1-12; and the Thessalonians' reception of the word (compare Th1 1:6-7, and latter part of Th1 2:9) at Th1 2:13-16. yourselves--Not only do strangers report it, but you know it to be true [ALFORD] "yourselves." not in vain--Greek, "not vain," that is, it was full of "power" (Th1 1:5). The Greek for "was," expresses rather "hath been and is," implying the permanent and continuing character of his preaching.
Open source ↗For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you,.... The apostle having observed in Th1 1:9 that those persons to whom the report of the Gospel being preached at Thessalonica, and the success of it there was made, showed everywhere both what manner of entrance he and his fellow ministers had in that place, and the conversion of many souls there; he enlarges upon the latter, and here reassumes the former, and appeals to the Thessalonians themselves, who must know full well, and better than others, what an entrance it was; and which is to be understood not merely of a corporeal entrance into their city and synagogue, but of their coming among them, by the preaching of the Gospel, as the ministers of the word and ambassadors of Christ: that it was not in vain; it was not a vain show with outward pomp and splendour, as the public entrances of ambassadors into cities usually are; but with great meanness, poverty, reproach, and persecution, having been lately beaten and ill used at Philippi; nor was it with great swelling words of vanity, with the enticing words of man's wisdom, to tickle the ear, please the fancy, and work upon the passions of natural men, in which manner the false teachers came: but the apostle came not with deceit and guile, with flattering words or a cloak of covetousness, or with a view to vain glory and worldly advantage; nor was the message they came with, from the King of kings, a vain, light, empty, and trifling one; but solid and substantial, and of the greatest importance; the doctrine they taught was not comparable to chaff and wind; it was not corrupt philosophy and vain deceit, the traditions and commandments of men, but sound doctrine, the wholesome words of our Lord Jesus Christ: nor was it fruitless and without effect; the word did no…
Open source ↗Here we have an account of Paul's manner of preaching, and his comfortable reflection upon his entrance in among the Thessalonians. As he had the testimony of his own conscience witnessing to his integrity, so he could appeal to the Thessalonians how faithful he, and Silas, and Timotheus, his helpers in the work of the Lord, had discharged their office: You yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you. Note, It is a great comfort to a minister to have his own conscience and the consciences of others witnessing for him that he set out well, with good designs and from good principles; and that his preaching was not in vain, or, as some read it, was not fain. The apostle here comforts himself either in the success of his ministry, that it was not fruitless or in vain (according to our translation), or as others think, reflecting upon the sincerity of his preaching, that it was not vain and empty, or deceitful and treacherous. The subject-matter of the apostle's preaching was not vain and idle speculations about useless niceties and foolish questions, but sound and solid truth, such as was most likely to profit his hearers. A good example this is, to be imitated by all the ministers of the gospel. Much less was the apostle's preaching vain or deceitful. He could say to these Thessalonians what he told the Corinthians (Co2 4:2): We have renounced the hidden things of dishonesty, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully. He had no sinister or worldly design in his preaching, which he puts them in mind to have been, I. With courage and resolution: We were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God, Th1 2:2. The apostle was inspired with a holy boldness, nor was he discouraged at the afflictions he met with, or the opposition that was…
Open source ↗2:1–3:13 The body of this letter begins by discussing Paul’s and his associates’ character (2:1-12) and the way the Thessalonians received the Good News (2:13-16). It then emphasizes Paul’s sincere care for the church, telling of his attempts to return to visit them (2:17-20) and his decision to send Timothy to them when he himself could not come (3:1-5). Finally, it tells of Paul’s joy over Timothy’s good report (3:6-9) and his prayers to get back to the church himself (3:10-13). This lengthy defense is Paul’s response to criticisms of his abrupt departure and prolonged absence. 2:1 The Greek word translated visit often refers to entry into a city. Ancient orators were known for their grand entrances into a town. Paul’s entrance to Thessalonica should be judged by its credible results rather than its lack of pomp or ceremony.
Open source ↗Original language
The Hebrew and Greek words behind this passage, with Strong's numbers — from openscriptures (CC BY-SA).
γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… αὐτός (autós, G846) — the reflexive pronoun self, used (alone or in the comparative G1438 (ἑαυτοῦ)) of the… ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us εἴσοδος (eísodos, G1529) — an entrance (literally or figuratively) πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not κενός (kenós, G2756) — empty (literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… προπάσχω (propáschō, G4310) — to undergo hardship previously ὑβρίζω (hybrízō, G5195) — to exercise violence, i.e. abuse καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Φίλιπποι (Phílippoi, G5375) — Philippi, a place in Macedonia παῤῥησιάζομαι (parrhēsiázomai, G3955) — to be frank in utterance, or confident in spirit and demeanor ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us παράκλησις (paráklēsis, G3874) — imploration, hortation, solace οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) πλάνη (plánē, G4106) — objectively, fraudulence; subjectively, a straying from orthodoxy or piety οὐδέ (oudé, G3761) — not however, i.e. neither, nor, not even ἀκαθαρσία (akatharsía, G167) — impurity (the quality), physically or morally οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. δόλος (dólos, G1388) — compare G1185 (δελεάζω)); a trick (bait), i.e. (figuratively) wile
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that δοκιμάζω (dokimázō, G1381) — to test (literally or figuratively); by implication, to approve ὑπό (hypó, G5259) — under, i.e. (with the genitive case) of place (beneath), or with verbs (the agency or… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by… εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) λαλέω (laléō, G2980) — to talk, i.e. utter words οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἀρέσκω (aréskō, G700) — to be agreeable (or by implication, to seek to be so) ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even ποτέ (poté, G4218) — indefinite adverb, at some time, ever γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… κολακεία (kolakeía, G2850) — flattery ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… καθώς (kathṓs, G2531) — just (or inasmuch) as, that εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… πρόφασις (próphasis, G4392) — an outward showing, i.e. pretext πλεονεξία (pleonexía, G4124) — avarice, i.e. (by implication) fraudulency, extortion θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very μάρτυς (mártys, G3144) — a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr"
Open source ↗οὔτε (oúte, G3777) — not too, i.e. neither or nor; by analogy, not even ἐκ (ek, G1537) — literal or figurative; direct or remote) ἄνθρωπος (ánthrōpos, G444) — from G3700 (ὀπτάνομαι)); man-faced, i.e. a human being ζητέω (zētéō, G2212) — to seek (literally or figuratively); specially, (by Hebraism) to worship (God), or (in a… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or… ἀπό (apó, G575) — "off," i.e. away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation;… ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ἄλλος (állos, G243) — "else," i.e. different (in many applications) δύναμαι (dýnamai, G1410) — to be able or possible εἶναι (eînai, G1511) — to exist ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. βάρος (báros, G922) — compare G899 (βάθος)); weight; in the New Testament only, figuratively, a load,… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ἀπόστολος (apóstolos, G652) — a delegate; specially, an ambassador of the Gospel; officially a commissioner of Christ…
Open source ↗ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ἤπιος (ḗpios, G2261) — properly, affable, i.e. mild or kind ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. μέσος (mésos, G3319) — middle (as an adjective or (neuter) noun) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) τροφός (trophós, G5162) — a nourisher, i.e. nurse ἄν (án, G302) θάλπω (thálpō, G2282) — to brood, i.e. (figuratively) to foster ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced)
Open source ↗οὕτω (hoútō, G3779) — in this way (referring to what precedes or follows) ἱμείρομαι (himeíromai, G2442) — of uncertain affinity); to long for ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you εὐδοκέω (eudokéō, G2106) — to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing) μεταδίδωμι (metadídōmi, G3330) — to give over, i.e. share ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you οὐ (ou, G3756) — the absolute negative (compare G3361 (μή)) adverb; no or not εὐαγγέλιον (euangélion, G2098) — a good message, i.e. the gospel θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very μόνον (mónon, G3440) — merely ἀλλά (allá, G235) — properly, other things, i.e. (adverbially) contrariwise (in many relations) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… ψυχή (psychḗ, G5590) — breath, i.e. (by implication) spirit, abstractly or concretely (the animal sentient…
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… μνημονεύω (mnēmoneúō, G3421) — to exercise memory, i.e. recollect; by implication, to punish; also to rehearse ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us κόπος (kópos, G2873) — a cut, i.e. (by analogy) toil (as reducing the strength), literally or figuratively; by… καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… μόχθος (móchthos, G3449) — toil, i.e. (by implication) sadness ἐργάζομαι (ergázomai, G2038) — to toil (as a task, occupation, etc.), (by implication) effect, be engaged in or with,… νύξ (nýx, G3571) — "night" (literally or figuratively) ἡμέρα (hēméra, G2250) — day, i.e. (literally) the time space between dawn and dark, or the whole 24 hours (but… πρός (prós, G4314) — a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. toward (with the genitive case, the side of,… ἐπιβαρέω (epibaréō, G1912) — to be heavy upon, i.e. (pecuniarily) to be expensive to; figuratively, to be severe… μή (mḗ, G3361) — (adverb) not, (conjunction) lest; also (as an interrogative implying a negative answer… τὶς (tìs, G5100) — some or any person or object
Open source ↗ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) μάρτυς (mártys, G3144) — a witness (literally (judicially) or figuratively (genitive case)); by analogy, a "martyr" καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) ὁσίως (hosíōs, G3743) — piously δικαίως (dikaíōs, G1346) — equitably ἀμέμπτως (amémptōs, G274) — faultlessly γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… ὑμῖν (hymîn, G5213) — to (with or by) you πιστεύω (pisteúō, G4100) — to have faith (in, upon, or with respect to, a person or thing), i.e. credit; by…
Open source ↗καθάπερ (katháper, G2509) — exactly as εἴδω (eídō, G1492) — used only in certain past tenses, the others being borrowed from the equivalent G3700… ὡς (hōs, G5613) — which how, i.e. in that manner (very variously used, as follows) παρακαλέω (parakaléō, G3870) — to call near, i.e. invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… παραμυθέομαι (paramythéomai, G3888) — to relate near, i.e. (by implication) encourage, console μαρτυρέω (martyréō, G3140) — to be a witness, i.e. testify (literally or figuratively) ἕκαστος (hékastos, G1538) — each or every εἷς (heîs, G1520) — one ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) ὑμῶν (hymōn, G5216) — of (from or concerning) you πατήρ (patḗr, G3962) — a "father" (literally or figuratively, near or more remote) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… τέκνον (téknon, G5043) — a child (as produced)
Open source ↗καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εἰς (eis, G1519) — to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively)… ὑμᾶς (hymâs, G5209) — you (as the objective of a verb or preposition) περιπατέω (peripatéō, G4043) — to tread all around, i.e. walk at large (especially as proof of ability); figuratively,… ἀξίως (axíōs, G516) — appropriately θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very καλέω (kaléō, G2564) — to "call" (properly, aloud, but used in a variety of applications, directly or otherwise) ἑαυτοῦ (heautoû, G1438) — him- (her-, it-, them-, also (in conjunction with the personal pronoun of the other… βασιλεία (basileía, G932) — properly, royalty, i.e. (abstractly) rule, or (concretely) a realm (literally or… δόξα (dóxa, G1391) — glory (as very apparent), in a wide application (literal or figurative, objective or…
Open source ↗τοῦτο (toûto, G5124) — that thing διά (diá, G1223) — through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional) καί (kaí, G2532) — and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other… εὐχαριστέω (eucharistéō, G2168) — to be grateful, i.e. (actively) to express gratitude (towards); specially, to say grace… ἡμεῖς (hēmeîs, G2249) — we (only used when emphatic) θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ἀδιαλείπτως (adialeíptōs, G89) — uninterruptedly, i.e. without omission (on an appropriate occasion) ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because παραλαμβάνω (paralambánō, G3880) — to receive near, i.e. associate with oneself (in any familiar or intimate act or… λόγος (lógos, G3056) — something said (including the thought); by implication, a topic (subject of discourse),… ἀκοή (akoḗ, G189) — hearing (the act, the sense or the thing heard) παρά (pará, G3844) — properly, near; i.e. (with genitive case) from beside (literally or figuratively), (with… ἡμῶν (hēmōn, G2257) — of (or from) us δέχομαι (déchomai, G1209) — to receive (in various applications, literally or figuratively)
Open source ↗γάρ (gár, G1063) — properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often… ὑμεῖς (hymeîs, G5210) — you (as subjective of verb) ἀδελφός (adelphós, G80) — a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like G1 (Α)) γίνομαι (gínomai, G1096) — to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e. (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with… μιμητής (mimētḗs, G3402) — an imitator ἐκκλησία (ekklēsía, G1577) — a calling out, i.e. (concretely) a popular meeting, especially a religious congregation… θεός (theós, G2316) — figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very ὁ (ho, G3588) — the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in English idiom) ἐν (en, G1722) — "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc. Ἰουδαία (Ioudaía, G2449) — the Judæan land (i.e. Judæa), a region of Palestine ὤν (ṓn, G5607) — being Χριστός (Christós, G5547) — anointed, i.e. the Messiah, an epithet of Jesus Ἰησοῦς (Iēsoûs, G2424) — Jesus (i.e. Jehoshua), the name of our Lord and two (three) other Israelites ὅτι (hóti, G3754) — demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may spread quickly and be held in honor, just as it was with you.
Is it not indeed from the LORD of Hosts that the labor of the people only feeds the fire, and the nations weary themselves in vain?
By this gospel you are saved, if you hold firmly to the word I preached to you. Otherwise, you have believed in vain.
And we continually thank God because, when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but as the true word of God—the word which is now at work in you who believe.
Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast and immovable. Always excel in the work of the Lord, because you know that your labor in the Lord is not in vain.
as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and caused our labor to be in vain.
But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace to me was not in vain. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me.
I fear for you, that my efforts for you may have been in vain.
Unless the LORD builds the house, its builders labor in vain; unless the LORD protects the city, its watchmen stand guard in vain.