Previously I wrote on 1 Thessalonians 2:3-4 concerning Paul and his coworkers being entrusted with the gospel. They were above reproach in their message and their ministry methods. This week I am going to touch on 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6 with a greater focus on being above reproach.
Paul wrote, “For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ” (1 Thess. 2:5-6). In these verses, Paul elaborates on the defense of his message and ministry, which he began in verse three. Once again, he highlights the fact that the Thessalonians knew Paul and his fellow gospel workers didn’t come with flattery or with greedy intentions. How did they know? The ministry of Paul and his coworkers was personal. The Thessalonians personally witnessed the ministry methods and message of these servants of Christ. They didn’t minister at arm’s length. Beyond this, Paul acknowledged that even if someone falsely accused the gospel workers of flattery and greed, God is witness to the truth. Sadly, some so-called Christian evangelists and preachers have engaged in ministry motivated by greed and fame. G.K. Beale in his commentary writes, “Such religious charlatans existed before the media age. Indeed, there have been religious frauds throughout history, including Paul’s day.”[1] Charles Wanamaker observes, “Flattery was a well-known and much-despised practice in the ancient world… Paul refused to employ flattery because it would compromise the integrity of his message and call in question his motivation in preaching the gospel (cf. 2 Cor. 2:17; 4:2).”[2] Merriam-Webster defines flattery as the act of giving, “praise excessively especially from motives of self-interest.”[3] As followers of Christ, we are to speak the truth. We are not to insincerely praise or manipulate with our words.
In verse six, Paul goes on to say that he and his coworkers did not seek glory from the Thessalonians or anyone else. They were, “Servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God” as Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 4:1. This is the appropriate mindset for God’s servants. “For what we proclaim is not ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, with ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake” (2 Cor. 4:5). Even though as apostles (lit. “sent ones”) they could have asked for financial support and respect they did not assert themselves in this way. We know that Paul is not using the word apostle here as in referring to the office since he includes his coworkers in the description. This would be a use of the word referring more to function, as in these gospel workers were sent out for the gospel to make disciples. As Christians, we are not to seek earthly glory and riches. We are not to walk around lording ourselves over others. In the body of Christ, there are different responsibilities and callings. Pastors, as undershepherds of Christ, are to lead by example and by teaching the Word of God. Yet, none are to lord it over the rest of the body. Pastors are to be above reproach in their lives and ministries. Believers should seek to be above reproach as well. So that our gospel witness will not be hindered by just accusations of wrongdoing.
There will be moments in the life of every believer when we will be accused of wrongdoing as we seek to serve the Lord and make disciples. The key is this, let it be false accusations of wrongdoing, not true. Let us as believers, “Do all things without grumbling or disputing, that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world” (Phil. 2:14–15).
[1] G. K. Beale, 1–2 Thessalonians, The IVP New Testament Commentary Series (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 2003), 69.
[2] Charles A. Wanamaker, The Epistles to the Thessalonians: A Commentary on the Greek Text, New International Greek Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, MI: W.B. Eerdmans, 1990), 97.