Free Bible Commentary
“1 Thessalonians 2:9-12”
Categories: 1 Thessalonians“For you recall, brethren, our labor and hardship, how working night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”
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In today’s verses Paul implored the brethren to harken back to the short time that he had spent with them and the pattern that he and his companions had left for them to follow after. He wanted them to “recall” or “remember” their time together so they could etch in their minds the approved apostolic example he had given to them to mimic for the rest of their lives.
Paul and his companions showed them how to work hard for a living (verse 9). While among the Thessalonians, Paul, Silas and Timothy labored “night and day” so that they would not become a financial “burden” to them. He gave them no reason to believe that they were only preaching the Gospel for the money they could get out of them. But, equally as important, he showed them the value of honest labor to support yourself and your family. “If anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either” (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
Paul and his companions showed them how to be godly in behavior (verse 10). “Devoutly” expresses the idea of “holiness,” or piety and reverence toward God. “Uprightly” implies righteous living before God and mankind. “Blamelessly” means to live in such a way that no charge could be maintained or proven if a person brought one against you. “For we have regard for what is honorable, not only in the sight of the Lord, but also in the sight of men” (2 Corinthians 8:21).
Paul and his companions encouraged them to follow their example (verses 11-12). As a loving father cares for and urges his children to do the right things, they implored these new babes in Christ to “walk in a manner worthy of the” Lord. They showed them how to live right. They urged them to live right. They encouraged them to live right. They begged them to live right. The reason why they went to such great lengths is simply that it is not always easy to do the right things! But we see here just how important it is for us to try with all our might to do so! God’s “kingdom and glory” are on the line!
Please read 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 for tomorrow.
Have a blessed day!
- Louie Taylor
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