1 Thessalonians 2:1-8
Paul’s Ministry to the Thessalonians
2 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict. 3 For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity or any attempt to deceive, 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts. 5 For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness. 6 Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ. 7 But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children. 8 So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own selves, because you had become very dear to us.
Robert Frost (1874-1963), an American poet, wrote his most beloved and classic poem, The Road Not Taken, in August 1915. The poem describes a man who is presumably taking a leisurely walk through the woods. In happenstance, the path that the man was traveling on, suddenly diverges; one path leads to the right, and the other to the left. As the man looked circumspectly down each way, he realized that one path was less traveled than the other; most probably because the path was less defined and partly hidden by the foliage of low-lying shrubs that struggled to stay alive under the immense canopy of trees. The man chose to travel on the road less traveled. In return, it made a difference and he was changed!
When choosing ministry or trying to serve God, some people are easily persuaded to take the known and comfortable path that is popular with others, rather than a ministry established and ordained by God. The ministry most popular has the approval and fanfare of man. The other path, on the other hand, may have hidden surprises that we do not know. Sometimes these surprises can be trials and afflictions that could make the task daunting. Other times, the path is nothing less than pure joy that is inexpressible. Either way, the path was ordained and orchestrated by God’s divine providence. In today’s passage, the Apostle Paul made it clear that his ministry was not to be popular so as to please men but to please God. Paul said the same thing to the church in Galatia by saying in Galatians 1:10 “For am I now seeking the approval of man, or of God? Or am I trying to please man? If I were still trying to please man, I would not be a servant of Christ.” This is a message that we all need to take to heart.
The Apostle began this part of his message by citing the suffering and mistreatment he experienced in the city of Philippi. That was God’s path for him in that city. In Thessalonica, however, God had a different plan. This road was one of joy, peace, and love. On this path, Paul did not use words to flatter. Instead, he uses words tinctured with love like a nursing mother who gently feeds her infant.
In conclusion, Paul states how this surprising ministry allowed him to enjoy the loving relationship of a dear precious church that became extremely dear to him. Not surprisingly, the church in Philippi also became one of the Apostle Paul’s beloved churches as well. Paul had no problems with the church, it was the unchurched people in Philippi who inflicted cruel abuse on Paul. The church nourished and supported Paul in all things. In both cases, in Philippi and in Thessalonica, Paul was extremely loved by the churches he ministered to. Again, this is an important lesson for all servants of God. If our ministry is God-prescribed, then whether there be affliction or times of peace, the servant will be blessed by both God and the church.
This passage is endearing to me as I look to the Lord my God for ministry opportunities that He designed for His glory. Nevertheless, in all things, I am content with what the Lord will provide. When a door of opportunity opens, it was opened by my Lord. I am resolved to be obedient and follow Him in service with all joy! For I know, that all things happen for my good for the glory of God (Romans 8:28).