1 Thessalonians 2:1-2 1For you yourselves know, brothers [and sisters], that our welcome by you was not in vain, 2but though we had previously suffered and were shamefully treated, just as you know, in Philippi, we had boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
Paul transitions from thanksgiving to historical recall and now reflects more on his short time with the Thessalonians. The purpose of chapter 2 appears to be reminder and example through defense. Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the earliest days of their faith and how they came to believe. He also gives a defense of the suffering and response to this suffering of him and Silas. It is unclear how much Timothy was involved in the suffering in Acts 17 since he is not specifically mentioned there, only Paul and Silas. Paul offers his own example of endurance in order to encourage the Thessalonians to stand strong in their faith in the midst of their own suffering.
The Thessalonians accepted (eisodon) the missionaries and their message. This was a waste of time or effort (kenē). The gospel had really made a difference in their lives. God was moving in their midst. Verse 2 sets up the major contrast of this chapter with an implied application to the Thessalonians. This contrast is grammatically structures with two participles likely with a concessive nuance dependent upon the main verb. The two participles suffered and shamefully treated reflect back on the prison experience of Paul and Silas in Philippi. Although this was a traumatic and difficult situation, they remained faithful to their calling, and through this, their faith grew and they had more confidence to speak the gospel in Thessalonica, even though they faced opposition there as well. The suffering brought greater boldness and courage (eparrēsiasametha).
Going through suffering can have two major effects upon people. They can withdraw in fear and take what looks like the easier way out by conforming to the expectations of the people around them. In many cases, there will be a moral aspect to this through compromise, which could lead to sin. The other way is to follow the example of Paul and Silas and live in boldness that comes from conviction. Their words were not their own but came with the power of the Holy Spirit (1:5). They had a part in this proclamation because they did not give in to the persecution they were experiencing. This is the choice the Thessalonians needed to make for themselves. No matter the conflict, opposition, or struggle (agōni), we too can stand strong in our faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.
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