1 Thessalonians 2

Paul takes some time in this portion to defend himself and his authority in preaching the gospel. Paul uses one major weapon to do this: his testimony.

Paul repeats phrases like, "you know how we dealt." By doing so, he relies on his impeccable presentation, free from impure motivation or any semblance of wrongdoing. We should behave the same way. We should be able to tell coworkers and schoolmates the exact same thing. And they should have no evil charge against us.

Paul states that he has been entrusted with the gospel. That is, entrusted to keep it as it was revealed to him -- to preserve it. Paul did not change the gospel to suit his needs. He prented the gospel that meets man's need.

Further, the goal is not man, man's praise or their own betterment. The goal is Christ, first and foremost. There is no other goal but to please God Himself. May I be so pure in my service to the King.

Next, Paul uses the family model to illustrate his relationship with the Thessalonians. He uses children, Mother, Father and later on Orphan.

Verse 7. Paul states that they behaved like children before the Thessalonians. That is to say, they were not aggresive. Verse 6 states that they had authority to assert their prerogatives. But they didn't. They decided to be meek and take the low place while presenting the truth in love.

Verses 7-9. Paul then flips the script with the next metaphor which likens the Thessalonians to children and himself as their mother. Here, he is explaining how he took on a nurturing role, encouraging growth by making sure the environment was the best he could make it for them.

Verses 10-12. Now Paul takes on the aura of a father. A father who urges his son to do better, thus making him proud. And the greatest thing the Thessalonians could do is live lives worthy of God.

Verses 17-20. Finally, lest he be accused of thinking himself above the Thessalonians, Paul considers himself an orphan when separated from the believers. He truly considers them as brethren, and separation from them is difficult. Paul genuinely means it when he calls the believers his joy and crown.

Perhaps there are people you should commit to more fully in the local assembly.