1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 3For our encouragement is not from deception or impurity or with cunning, 4but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing people but God who tests our hearts.
Paul gives a hint of his motivation in writing, which reflects his motivation in ministry. These verses are packed with words with significant meaning. Encouragement (paraklēsis) can also mean “comfort” or “exhortation” in a stronger sense. It is one of the key activities of the Holy Spirit whom Jesus calls the “Comforter” in John 14:16. It is difficult to determine which nuance Paul implies in verse 3. The challenge is that there is no verb given in this verse, so we need to supply one. Is this present tense, referring to this letter, or past tense referring to his visit with them. The present tense “we speak” in verse 4 suggests Paul is referring to how he hopes this letter will impact the Thessalonians. Minimally, these verses describe the basic motives he had in sharing the gospel wherever he went.
He then lists three negative actions he hopes his relationship with the Thessalonians does not have. First, he did not speak or write with deception (planēs). His words are honest. He is not like the many sophists of that time who spoke with flattery to get people’s attention and awe. His words were the gospel which contain the very power of God for eternal life. Second, he did come with impurity (akatharsias). His motives were pure and righteous according to God’s will. Paul stood behind the cross when he preached the gospel. Last, he was not cunning (dolō) by taking advantage of the Thessalonians for personal gain or glory. In fact, he suffered greatly in a position of weakness in order to get the truth to them.
Verse 4 shifts to Paul’s positive motives in “speaking.” He and his companions were tested and and approved (dedokimasmetha) by God. This testing may have come in many forms, but one way was through the persecution, imprisonment, and beatings they experienced in their travels. They endured these by trusting in God’s help. This endurance was part of their example to the Thessalonians. God entrusted (pisteuthēnai, based on the word “faith”) them to share the gospel. This was a privilege and responsibility. They were found to be “faithful” to this calling. Because they found their source of purpose and strength in God, God was the one whom they sought to please. They feared and honored God more than people. They were not crowd pleasers nor did they give in to peer pressure. They did not take the broad and easy road (Matthew 7:13). The way of least resistance may bring temporary comforts and less challenges, but in the end, it leads to judgment. Paul encourages the Thessalonians and all who read this letter to be faithful to the call of Christ.
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