1 Thessalonians 2:1-12

Intro

A man in the Army of Alexander the Great who was also named Alexander, was accused of cowardly actions. He was brought before Alexander, who asked what his name was.

He was brought before Alexander, who asked what his name was.

Not a little intimidated the man mumbled, "Alexander."

"I can't hear you," the ruler stated pointedly.

Again the man replied, but a little louder, "Alexander."

Still not satisfied the great leader said, “Louder!”

“Alexander,” the man almost shouted in fear.

At this Alexander the Great commented, "Either change your name or change your conduct."

Setup

Book is written because opposition to Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica

not named

The Expositor’s Bible Commentary, Volume 11: Ephesians through Philemon 1. Preaching, Replete with Power (2:1, 2)

Suggestions have included heretical pseudo-apostles as found in Corinth and Galatia, Judaizers, spiritual enthusiasts, Gnostics, and Jews (Best, p. 16). Also whether they were within the church or outside it remains a mystery

Popular to suggest they were Jews as he had just faced Jews in Philippi and they were a constant threat throughout his ministry but just not known

In the first part of the letter Paul is seeking to repair any damage done to his ministry among the Thessalonians

Defense

Three parts

the faith of the Thessalonians (1:2-10)

the conduct of Paul and his associates (2:1-12)

reiterates the response of the Thessalonians among persecution (2:13-16)

uses sections on the response and faith of the Thessalonians to bracket the section on the conduct of Paul’s ministry team

the grammar clearly shows the sections are related to each other

Why Conduct

Why did it matter

Paul was a messenger of the Gospel

English Standard Version Chapter 2

but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel

gospel = good news

Paul quotes in

English Standard Version Chapter 52

How beautiful upon the mountains

are the feet of him who brings good news

in ancient world good news that a king has been inaugurated in this case Isaiah goes on to say

English Standard Version Chapter 52

who says to Zion, “Your God reigns.”

the “good news” is specifically that God as Jesus has now taken his place as King of the entire world

and Paul is now a messenger of that king

a representative, or image

so how he handles himself reflects on the King

and how he handles himself shows who he serves

His conduct would make him stick out

Someone at the court of King Ptolemy who was nicknamed ‘Dionysus’ slandered the Platonic philosopher Demetrius because he drank water and was the only one of the company who did not put on women’s clothing during the Dionysia. Indeed, had he not started drinking early and in view of all, next time he was invited, and had he not put on a Tarantine wrap [women’s clothes], played the cymbals, and danced to them, he would have been lost as one displeasing to the king’s lifestyle.” (Lucian, Calumnies, 16).

Brothel at Thessalonica connected to the bathhouse at the center of town in the middle of the agora or marketplace, was large and well stocked with artifacts of the trade

35-40% of population were slaves

as a virtue humbleness was foreign to roman society

yet as we see in this verse Paul treated them with:

truth and honesty

English Standard Version Chapter 2

3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive,

not saying good things just to gain something or a mask over greed

English Standard Version Chapter 2

5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed

nor did he seek praise

English Standard Version Chapter 2

6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others

with love

English Standard Version Chapter 2

7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.

also it is interesting that he never names his opponents in this letter

Application

Consider

Jesus is king over all the world

we are messengers and representatives of that King

our world today is depraved and messed up just as in Paul’s day

how do they perceive us?

We are going to spend some time asking:

If someone were to look at your life in the following areas:

how you speak to your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers

the way you treat your family, friends, neighbors and coworkers

the values you live your lives by

graciousness?

forgiveness?

love?

kindness?

patience?

how you handle conflict

the way you respond to criticism

your record of honesty, even on the small things

how you spend money

the goals you attempt to accomplish

What King would they believe you serve?