1 Thessalonians 2:1-6 NIV
1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.
1 You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.
2 We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.
3 For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.
4 On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
5 You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.
6 We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
In this Scripture, Paul is saying to the Thessalonians that when he visited them (along with Silas & Timothy) that it was not a waste of time. They were given a rough time in Philippi but that didn't stop them or slow them down. Knowing that God sent them and they were confident in what they were to tell the Thessalonians so they went ahead and told them God's message. This Scripture is so good. It didn't matter that they had opposition or that they just came from a place that they had a rough time preaching. They could have just said I am worn out, I can't preach any more or I just need a rest. But they didn't; they went and did what God wanted them to do. God said to give them a message and that's what they did. Paul went with his team and they weren't trying to please men but they wanted to be sure that God would be pleased with them. That was more important. Paul is telling them that there were no hidden agendas. They weren't trying to make them feel good or hear only what they wanted to hear - only what the message from God was. Paul's was telling them that they went through many tests before they gave the Word and they can be sure it was from God and not them personally. Even though they came as apostles, they still didn't come off as important or above them.They were sincere and cared for them. They not only gave them the Word, they also showed that they truly cared for them and loved them.
