Paul’s Work
—First Thessalonians
In 1Thessalonians 2:1 to 3:11, Paul reviews his work among the Thessalonians. We can find in Paul's comments, at least twelve important aspects of his ministry.
Paul’s Review of His Own Work
1.His labour was not in vain
"Our visit was not a failure" (1Thessalonians 2:1).
"You are our glory and joy" (1Thessalonians 2:20).
2. He had opposition
"Suffered and were mistreated amid much opposition" (1Thessalonians 2:2).
"Satan hindered us" (1Thessalonians 2:18).
3. His message was genuine
"Our exhortation was not from error, impurity or deceit" (1Thessalonians 2:3).
"You accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really was —the word of God" (1Thessalonians 2:13).
4. He tried to win God's approval, not man’s
"We have been approved by God, so we do not speak to please men. We did not come with flattering speech, nor did we seek glory from men" (1Thessalonians 2:4-6).
5. He showed tenderness and affection
"We were gentle among you, like a mother cherishes her little children. We loved you so much." (1Thessalonians 2:7-8).
"...imploring each one of you as a father would his own children" (1Thessalonians 2:11).
"Bereft of you for a short while, we wanted to come to you" (1Thessalonians 2:17-18).
6. He supported himself
"...working night and day so as not to be a burden to you" (1Thessalonians 2:9).
[Compare 2Thessalonians 3:8-9; 1Corinthians 9:14-15]
7. He had a good reputation
"You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly, uprightly, and blamelessly we behaved toward you" (1Thessalonians 2:10).
8. He got satisfaction from his work
"Who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you? You are our glory and joy" (1Thessalonians 2:19-20).
"We really live if you stand firm in the Lord we rejoice" (1Th3:7-9).
9. He had helpers
"Timothy our brother and God's fellow worker" (1Th3:1-2,6).
10. He recognized God's leading and providence
"We were destined for this and so it came to pass" (1Th3:3-4).
11. He had a sense of urgency about his work
"When I could endure it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith for fear that the tempter might have tempted you" (1Th3:5).
12. He nurtured the work he had started
"Night and day we keep praying most earnestly that we may complete what is lacking in your faith our Lord direct our way to you" (1Th3:10-11).