2 But1 even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at aPhilippi, as you know, we were bbold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
3 aFor our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
4 But as awe have been approved by God bto be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, cnot as pleasing men, but God dwho tests our hearts.
5 For aneither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a1 cloak for covetousness—bGod is witness.
6 aNor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when bwe might have cmade demands das apostles of Christ.
7 But awe were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.
8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased ato impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also bour own lives, because you had become dear to us.
9 For you remember, brethren, our alabor and toil; for laboring night and day, bthat we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 aYou are witnesses, and God also, bhow devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and1 charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,
12 athat you would walk worthy of God bwho calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
New King James Version®, Copyright© 1982, Thomas Nelson. All rights reserved.
Commentaries:
| << 1 Thessalonians 2:3 | 1 Thessalonians 2:5 >> |
What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Mean?
1 Thessalonians 2:4-5
This was written to Christians. God tests our hearts. He wants to know, to find out, to see for Himself, through the circumstances that He creates or allows to occur, what our reaction will be. He does not assume; He does not presume that He already knows. God tests, and He is watching. This is why He can be a witness.
John W. Ritenbaugh
Image and Likeness of God (Part Five)
Related Topics: God as Witness
| God Tests Our Hearts
| Testing of Faith
| Testing the Heart
| Tests
| Tests and Trials
| Trials and Tests
| Trials, Purpose of
| Trials, Shaping Power Of
Other Forerunner Commentary entries containing 1 Thessalonians 2:4:
| << 1 Thessalonians 2:3 | 1 Thessalonians 2:5 >> |
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