3: The Faithful Minister (1Thess 2:1-16)

I.       The Basics

A.     Setting

The passage of this lesson extends from and expands on the opening chapter, in which Paul gave thanks to God for the exemplary church in Thessalonica. Now he asks the believers to recall the time when Paul and his companions first brought the gospel to them. In defending against false allegations, Paul calls upon the Thessalonians and God to be witnesses to testify to the integrity of the ministry Paul and his fellow workers had conducted. Then, at the end of the passage, he gives thanks to God once again for the Thessalonian believers’ reception of the gospel and strong faith.

B.     Key Verse

            “You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe” (2:10).

C.     Did You Know…?

1. “Spitefully treated at Philippi” (2:2): Read Acts 16:16--40 for the account on this event.

II.    Observation

A.     Outline

(2:1-2)

(2:3-6)

(2:7-12)

(2:13-16)

B.     Key Words/Phrases

III. General Analysis

1. Observe the shift in focus from the previous passage to the present passage. Who is this passage mainly about?

2a. Verses 1-6 consist of many negatives (“not…,” “neither…,” “nor…”). Record each of these.

2b. Verses 7-12, on the other hand, stress many positives. Record these also.

IV.  Segment Analysis

A.     2:1-2

1. What is Paul’s evaluation of their ministry in Thessalonica?

2a. What enables a preacher of the gospel to be bold despite persecutions?

2b. What positive impact can a preacher’s boldness in sufferings bring upon the believers?

B.     2:3-6

3. The apostles’ exhortation did not come from error (in their message), uncleanness (in their motives), or deceit (in their method). Elaborate on each of these negative things and why they are detrimental.

4a. Why did God entrust the gospel to Paul and his companions?

4b. What reason can we see in verse 4 why a preacher of the gospel must speak to please God rather than man?

5. What “right” did the apostles relinquish? (6)?

6. What lessons did you learn from this passage concerning your service?

C.     2:7-12

7. What point is Paul making in comparing themselves with a mother and a father?

8a. What two things were the apostles willing to give to the Thessalonians? (8)

8b. Are you willing to do the same for those whom you minister to? In what ways can you give your own life to them?

9. What is Paul referring to by “laboring night and day”?

10. What can we learn from verse 10 about what a minister of the gospel should aim to accomplish?

11. What does it mean for us to “walk worthy of God”?

D.     2:13-16

12. Why do Paul and his fellow workers thank God without ceasing concerning the Thessalonians?

13. What can we learn from the Thessalonians in terms of our attitude in receiving the message we hear? Why is such attitude important?

14. How have the Thessalonian believers not only believed, but also experienced, that the word they heard was indeed the word of God?

15. How did the Jews incite the citizens of Thessalonica to persecute the Christians? (see Acts 17:5-10).

16. What sins did the Judeans who opposed the apostles commit? What was coming upon them as a result?