Paul's Integrity in Ministry and the Church's Persecution
1 Thessalonians 2:1-16
1Thess.2.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,m
- γαρ: PART
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εισοδον: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- οτι: CONJ
- ου: PART,neg
- κενη: ADJ,f,sg,nom
- γεγονεν: VERB,perf,act,ind,3,sg
Parallels
- Acts 17:1-9 (structural): Narrative account of Paul's actual visit to Thessalonica (the event Paul refers to), giving historical context for 'our coming to you.'
- 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter: Paul explains the Thessalonians' reception of the message as divine, supporting his claim that his visit and ministry among them were not in vain.
- Philippians 2:16 (verbal): Paul uses similar language about not running or laboring 'in vain' regarding his ministry, echoing the theme of ministry fruitfulness and purpose.
- 1 Corinthians 15:58 (thematic): Affirms the same theological point—that work in the Lord is not wasted—resonating with Paul’s assertion that his coming to the Thessalonians bore real effect.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.
- For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain,
1Thess.2.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- προπαθοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,m,pl
- και: CONJ
- υβρισθεντες: VERB,aor,pass,part,nom,m,pl
- καθως: CONJ
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- εν: PREP
- Φιλιπποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- επαρρησιασαμεθα: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,pl
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- λαλησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- πολλω: ADV
- αγωνι: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 16:22-24 (structural): The Philippian beating and imprisonment of Paul and Silas is narrated here—the concrete event Paul alludes to when saying they were maltreated at Philippi.
- Acts 16:25-34 (thematic): Paul and Silas’ confident worship and witness in prison, and the resulting bold proclamation to the jailer, parallels ‘boldness in our God’ to speak the gospel amid suffering.
- Romans 1:16 (verbal): Shares the theme of confident proclamation of the gospel (‘not ashamed’/‘boldness in our God’) as the source of mission despite opposition.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-27 (thematic): Paul’s catalog of beatings, imprisonments, and hardships parallels the suffering and hostility he cites in Thessalonians as the context for his bold witness.
- 2 Corinthians 6:4-10 (thematic): Speaks of enduring afflictions, hardships, and persecution while commending the gospel—similar language of conflict and steadfast proclamation in 1 Thessalonians 2:2.
Alternative generated candidates
- But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.
- but though we had been afflicted and shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God amid much conflict.
1Thess.2.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- γαρ: PART
- παρακλησις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- ουκ: PART,neg
- εκ: PREP
- πλανης: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- ουδε: CONJ,neg
- εξ: PREP
- ακαθαρσιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ουδε: CONJ,neg
- εν: PREP
- δολω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 (verbal): Paul explicitly renounces 'secret and shameful ways' and says he does not use deception or tamper with God's word—a close verbal and conceptual parallel to 'not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile.'
- 2 Corinthians 2:17 (thematic): Paul insists he is not a peddler of God's word but speaks with sincerity before God; thematically parallels 1 Thess 2:3's defense of the apostles' sincerity and freedom from deceit for profit or craftiness.
- 1 Peter 2:1 (verbal): Peter exhorts believers to rid themselves of malice, deceit, hypocrisy—language that echoes the moral terms (deceit/uncleanness) used in 1 Thess 2:3 and the call to purity/sincerity.
- Philippians 1:18 (thematic): Paul acknowledges that Christ is proclaimed 'whether in pretense or in truth,' contrasting falsehood and genuine proclamation; parallels 1 Thess 2:3's denial that the apostles' exhortation was deceitful.
Alternative generated candidates
- For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives, nor from trickery.
- For our appeal does not spring from error, nor from impurity, nor from deceit;
1Thess.2.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- αλλα: CONJ
- καθως: CONJ
- δεδοκιμασμεθα: VERB,perf,pass,ind,1,pl
- υπο: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- πιστευθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ουτως: ADV
- λαλουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- ουχ: PART,neg
- ως: ADV
- ανθρωποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- αρεσκοντες: VERB,pres,act,part,nom,pl,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- δοκιμαζοντι: VERB,pres,act,part,dat,sg,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- καρδιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- Galatians 1:10 (verbal): Paul contrasts seeking human approval with serving Christ — 'not seeking to please men but God,' echoing the language and motive of 1 Thess 2:4.
- 1 Corinthians 4:1-2 (structural): Ministers as stewards who must be found faithful; parallels the idea of being approved/entrusted by God with the gospel and accountable to God's testing of hearts.
- 2 Corinthians 5:9-11 (thematic): Paul's aim to please the Lord and the motive of fear of the Lord before judgment connects with speaking to satisfy God who examines hearts.
- Acts 20:20-21 (thematic): Paul's testimony of sincere proclamation — publicly and from house to house, calling people to repentance and faith — aligns with the claim of trustworthy, God-approved gospel ministry.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3 (structural): Immediate context: Paul denies deceit, impurity, and guile in their conduct, reinforcing the claim that their message and motive were approved by God rather than aimed at pleasing men.
Alternative generated candidates
- But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak—not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts.
- but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak—not to please men, but God who tests our hearts.
1Thess.2.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουτε: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- ποτε: ADV
- εν: PREP
- λογω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- κολακειας: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- εγενηθημεν: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,pl
- καθως: CONJ
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- ουτε: CONJ
- εν: PREP
- προφασει: NOUN,dat,sg,f
- πλεονεξιας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- μαρτυς: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Acts 20:33 (thematic): Paul insists he coveted no one's silver or gold—parallels the denial of using ministry as a cover for greed and material gain.
- 2 Corinthians 2:17 (verbal): Paul contrasts sincere proclamation with 'peddling the word of God,' defending the integrity and absence of deceptive/flattering speech.
- 2 Corinthians 4:2 (verbal): Paul renounces 'secret and shameful ways' and deceit, asserting transparent, honorable conduct in ministry—echoes the claim that they did not use flattery or a pretense of greed.
- Galatians 1:10 (thematic): Paul poses the contrast between pleasing men and serving Christ, challenging any suggestion that his ministry sought human approval or profit—related to rejecting flattery and self-interest.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:6 (structural): Immediate context: continues the defense—'nor did we seek glory from men'—reinforces the claim of not using flattering speech or a guise for greed.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we never came with flattering words, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—
- Nor did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness.
1Thess.2.6 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουτε: CONJ
- ζητουντες: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- εξ: PREP
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- ουτε: CONJ
- αφ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- ουτε: CONJ
- απ᾽αλλων: PREP+ADJ,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- Galatians 1:10 (verbal): Paul asks whether he seeks human approval or God's—directly parallels the assertion that he did not seek glory from people.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter: Paul insists their message was delivered as God's servants, not to please men but God—closely linked to not seeking human praise.
- 1 Corinthians 4:3-5 (thematic): Paul refuses to boast or be judged by human standards and awaits God’s judgment rather than seeking human commendation.
- 2 Corinthians 10:18 (verbal): ‘‘Not the one who commends himself is approved, but the one whom the Lord commends’’—an explicit contrast between human commendation and divine approval, echoing rejection of seeking human glory.
- 2 Corinthians 5:12 (thematic): Paul denies that he and his companions commend themselves to others or seek human praise, emphasizing their accountability to Christ rather than people.
Alternative generated candidates
- nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have asserted our authority as apostles of Christ.
- Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.
1Thess.2.7 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δυναμενοι: PART,pres,mid,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- βαρει: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- ειναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- ως: ADV
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αποστολοι·αλλα: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εγενηθημεν: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,pl
- ηπιοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- εν: PREP
- μεσω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ως: ADV
- εαν: CONJ
- τροφος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- θαλπη: VERB,pres,act,subj,3,sg
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- εαυτης: PRON,gen,sg,f
- τεκνα·: NOUN,acc,pl,n
Parallels
- Isaiah 49:15 (allusion): Uses the image of a nursing mother who will not forget her child — an OT maternal motif Paul echoes to portray tender care for converts.
- Isaiah 66:13 (allusion): God’s comfort compared to a mother comforting her child; similar maternal language underlying Paul’s depiction of gentle pastoral care.
- Matthew 23:37 (thematic): Jesus’ lament uses a maternal image of gathering children (a hen with her brood); thematically parallel use of maternal imagery to describe pastoral affection and protection.
- Galatians 4:19 (thematic): Paul’s intimate, parental language toward believers (“my little children…I am again in travail”) parallels the apostle’s tender, motherly concern in 1 Thess 2:7.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:11 (verbal): Immediately paired within the same letter—Paul contrasts the nursing‑mother simile (v.7) with an explicit ‘as a father’ simile (v.11), showing complementary parental metaphors for his pastoral role.
Alternative generated candidates
- But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her own children.
- But we proved gentle among you, like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children.
1Thess.2.8 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- ουτως: ADV
- ομειρομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,part,nom,pl,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ευδοκουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- μεταδουναι: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- ου: PART,neg
- μονον: ADV
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- εαυτων: PRON,gen,pl,3
- ψυχας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- διοτι: CONJ
- αγαπητοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
- ημιν: PRON,dat,pl,1
- εγενηθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7 (structural): Immediate context: continues Paul’s depiction of his tender, parental care for the Thessalonians (nurse-like gentleness) that grounds his willingness to give not only the gospel but his own life.
- Philippians 1:7-8 (verbal): Paul speaks of having the believers in his heart and longing for them with affection — language of personal attachment and fellowship with them and the gospel echoes the sentiment of sharing himself with the Thessalonians.
- 2 Corinthians 12:15 (thematic): Paul’s readiness to be ‘spent’ for the believers parallels the idea of imparting not only the gospel but his own life out of love for them.
- Acts 20:24 (thematic): Paul declares he does not regard his life as dear to himself if it means finishing his ministry — a similar willingness to risk or give his life in service of the gospel and the people.
- John 15:13 (thematic): Jesus’ saying that the greatest love is to lay down one’s life for friends provides a canonical principle behind Paul’s statement about giving his own soul for those he loves.
Alternative generated candidates
- Being so affectionately disposed, we were eager to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our very lives, because you had become dear to us.
- So deeply were we attached to you that we were willing to share with you not only the gospel of God but our very lives, for you had become dear to us.
1Thess.2.9 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Μνημονευετε: VERB,pres,act,imp,2,pl
- γαρ: PART
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κοπον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- μοχθον·νυκτος: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ημερας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- εργαζομενοι: VERB,pres,mp,ptc,nom,pl,m
- προς: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μη: PART
- επιβαρησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- τινα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- εκηρυξαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- εις: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- ευαγγελιον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 2 Thessalonians 3:8 (verbal): Near‑identical wording and motive—Paul again says he and his companions worked 'night and day' so as not to be a burden while proclaiming the gospel.
- 2 Corinthians 11:9 (verbal): Paul insists he 'was not a burden' to the Corinthians when in need, echoing the same concern to avoid imposing on believers.
- Acts 20:34–35 (thematic): Paul recalls working with his own hands to support the weak and to set an example—the same theme of labor and self‑support during ministry.
- 1 Corinthians 4:12 (verbal): Paul speaks of 'toiling, working with our own hands,' language that parallels the emphasis on apostolic labor and hardship in ministry.
- Acts 18:3 (thematic): Paul's tentmaking (working while ministering) provides the biographical background for his practice of working to avoid being a burden on those he evangelized.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: working night and day so that we might not be a burden to any of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
- For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: night and day we worked, that we might not be a burden to any of you while proclaiming to you the gospel of God.
1Thess.2.10 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- μαρτυρες: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- θεος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ως: ADV
- οσιως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- δικαιως: ADV
- και: CONJ
- αμεμπτως: ADV
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- πιστευουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
- εγενηθημεν: VERB,aor,mid,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:3-8 (structural): Immediate context: Paul defends the character and conduct of his ministry (gentle, loving, not seeking glory), culminating in appeal to the Thessalonians as witnesses of that behavior.
- 2 Corinthians 1:12 (verbal): Paul appeals to the 'testimony of our conscience' and insists his conduct was sincere and governed by God's grace—echoing 1 Thess. 2:10's claim of holiness, justice, and blamelessness before God and men.
- Acts 20:18-21 (thematic): Paul's summary to the Ephesian elders stresses his integrity and faithful proclamation (testifying repentance and faith), paralleling the theme of conduct as a public witness to the truth of his ministry.
- Colossians 1:22 (verbal): Speaks of being presented 'holy, blameless, and above reproach'—a close verbal and conceptual parallel to the triad 'holy, just, blameless' used in 1 Thess. 2:10.
- Philippians 2:15 (thematic): Calls believers to be 'blameless and innocent' among the world so that their conduct serves as a witness—resonant with 1 Thess. 2:10's emphasis on ethical behavior as attestable witness before God and people.
Alternative generated candidates
- You are witnesses—and God too—how holy, righteous, and blameless we behaved toward you believers.
- You are witnesses—and God also—that our conduct toward you was holy, righteous, and blameless.
1Thess.2.11 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- καθαπερ: CONJ
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- ως: ADV
- ενα: NUM,acc,sg,m
- εκαστον: ADJ,nom,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ως: ADV
- πατηρ: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- τεκνα: NOUN,acc,pl,neut
- εαυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:7 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same argument: Paul uses a maternal parental image ('like a nursing mother') just before 2:11—both verses employ parental metaphors to characterize apostolic care.
- 1 Corinthians 4:15 (verbal): Paul explicitly calls himself a 'father' to the Corinthian believers because he 'fathered' them in Christ through the gospel—echoes the paternal claim and responsibility found in 1 Thess 2:11.
- Philemon 1:10 (verbal): Paul refers to Onesimus as 'my child' (begotten in my imprisonment), using filial language and acting in a fatherly intercessory role—parallel to the paternal concern expressed in 1 Thess 2:11.
- 1 Timothy 1:2 (thematic): Paul addresses Timothy as his 'true son in the faith,' reflecting the pastoral/paternal relationship and authoritative pastoral exhortation implied by the 'as a father with his children' formula in 1 Thess 2:11.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you, we encouraged you, and we charged you.
- For you know how, like a father with his children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God,
1Thess.2.12 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- παρακαλουντες: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- παραμυθουμενοι: VERB,pres,mid,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- μαρτυρομενοι: VERB,pres,mid,ptcp,nom,pl,m
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- περιπατειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- αξιως: ADV
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- καλουντος: VERB,pres,act,ptcp,gen,sg,m
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εις: PREP
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- εαυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- βασιλειαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- και: CONJ
- δοξαν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
Parallels
- Ephesians 4:1 (verbal): Both verses use the key exhortation to 'walk worthy' of a calling—Eph 4:1: 'walk worthy of the calling with which you were called,' directly parallel to 1 Thess 2:12's 'walk worthy of God who calls you.'
- Colossians 1:10 (verbal): Colossians urges believers to 'walk worthy of the Lord' and to 'walk worthy' in practical fruitfulness, echoing 1 Thess 2:12's call to live a life worthy of God.
- 2 Thessalonians 2:14 (verbal): Explicitly parallels the language of divine calling to future honor: 'God called you through our gospel to obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ,' closely matching 1 Thess 2:12's 'called... into his kingdom and glory.'
- Romans 8:30 (thematic): Presents the theological sequence 'called... justified... glorified,' thematically related to 1 Thess 2:12's linking of God's call with entry into his kingdom and glory.
- Titus 2:11-12 (thematic): Describes how God's grace 'teaches us to deny ungodliness and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives,' paralleling 1 Thess 2:12's ethical exhortation to live worthily in response to God's call.
Alternative generated candidates
- We instructed you to walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
- who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
1Thess.2.13 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Και: CONJ
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- και: CONJ
- ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- ευχαριστουμεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- αδιαλειπτως: ADV
- οτι: CONJ
- παραλαβοντες: VERB,aor,act,part,nom,pl,m
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ακοης: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- παρ᾽ημων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,1
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εδεξασθε: VERB,aor,mid,ind,2,pl
- ου: PART,neg
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ανθρωπων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- αλλα: CONJ
- καθως: CONJ
- αληθως: ADV
- εστιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,sg
- λογον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ος: PRON,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- ενεργειται: VERB,pres,mid,ind,3,sg
- εν: PREP
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- πιστευουσιν: VERB,pres,act,ind,3,pl
Parallels
- Romans 10:17 (thematic): Links hearing the word to the production of faith—parallels 1 Thess 2:13's emphasis on receiving God's word that effects belief in hearers.
- Hebrews 4:12 (verbal): Describes the word of God as living and active/powerful, echoing 1 Thess 2:13's claim that the word of God is operative in believers.
- James 1:18 (verbal): Speaks of God bringing us forth by the word of truth; parallels the notion that God's word produces real spiritual effect in those who believe.
- 1 Thessalonians 1:5 (structural): Paul's report that the gospel came to the Thessalonians not only in words but in power and the Holy Spirit complements 2:13's thanksgiving that God's word was received and worked in them.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (verbal): Paul's claim that their message was 'not of men but from God' parallels 2:13's contrast between 'word of men' and 'word of God' and underscores apostolic authority and divine origin.
Alternative generated candidates
- And for this reason we also thank God continually that when you received the word of God—which you heard from us—you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it truly is, God’s word, which is at work in you believers.
- Therefore we also give thanks to God constantly, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it truly is—the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
1Thess.2.14 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- γαρ: PART
- μιμηται: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- εγενηθητε: VERB,aor,pass,ind,2,pl
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- εκκλησιων: NOUN,gen,pl,f
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ουσων: VERB,pres,act,part,gen,pl,f
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- Ιουδαια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εν: PREP
- Χριστω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- οτι: CONJ
- τα: ART,acc,pl,n
- αυτα: PRON,acc,pl,n
- επαθετε: VERB,aor,act,ind,2,pl
- και: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- υπο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- ιδιων: ADJ,gen,pl,m
- συμφυλετων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- υπο: PREP
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- Ιουδαιων: NOUN,gen,pl,m
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 1:6 (verbal): Uses the same imitation language — the Thessalonians are said to become imitators (μῖμηται) of Paul and of the Lord, paralleling 'you became imitators of the churches of God.'
- John 15:18-20 (thematic): Jesus predicts that his followers will be hated and persecuted as he was; thematically parallels the suffering of Thessalonian believers 'in Christ Jesus' like the Judean churches suffered.
- 2 Corinthians 11:23-24 (verbal): Paul catalogs his persecutions, explicitly noting beatings and mistreatment 'from the Jews' (ἐκ τῶν Ἰουδαίων), directly paralleling the claim that Judean churches suffered at Jewish hands.
- Acts 8:1-3 (structural): Describes the intense persecution of the Jerusalem/Judean church after Stephen's martyrdom and the resulting scattering of believers — historical background for 'the churches of God ... in Judea' suffering.
Alternative generated candidates
- For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God that are in Christ Jesus throughout Judea; for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they suffered from the Jews,
- For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God that are in Christ Jesus in Judea; for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,
1Thess.2.15 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- των: ART,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- κυριον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- αποκτειναντων: PART,aor,act,gen,pl,m
- Ιησουν: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- τους: ART,acc,pl,m
- προφητας: NOUN,acc,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- εκδιωξαντων: PART,aor,act,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- θεω: NOUN,dat,sg,m
- μη: PART
- αρεσκοντων: PART,pres,act,gen,pl,m
- και: CONJ
- πασιν: ADJ,dat,pl,m
- ανθρωποις: NOUN,dat,pl,m
- εναντιων: ADJ,dat,pl,m
Parallels
- Matthew 23:29-37 (verbal): Jesus condemns scribes/Pharisees as sons of those who killed the prophets and laments that they killed and persecuted God's messengers, echoing the charge in 1 Thess 2:15.
- Luke 11:47-51 (verbal): Parallel version of Matthew 23:29-36; accuses Israel's leaders of building tombs for the prophets their fathers killed—language and accusation similar to Paul’s statement.
- Acts 7:52 (quotation): Stephen asks which prophet was not persecuted by their fathers and charges them with always resisting the Holy Spirit—directly parallels Paul’s claim that they killed the Lord and the prophets and persecuted the apostles.
- Acts 5:30 (verbal): The apostles accuse Jewish leaders of killing Jesus ('you killed'), a direct precedent for Paul’s statement that 'they killed the Lord Jesus.'
- John 15:18-20 (thematic): Jesus warns his followers that the world will hate them as it hated him, reflecting the theme of hostility toward believers expressed in 1 Thess 2:15 ('hostile to all men').
Alternative generated candidates
- who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all people,
- who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out; they do not please God and are hostile to all people,
1Thess.2.16 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- κωλυοντων: PART,pres,act,gen,pl,m
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- τοις: ART,dat,pl,n
- εθνεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,n
- λαλησαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- ινα: CONJ
- σωθωσιν: VERB,aor,pass,subj,3,pl
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- αναπληρωσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- αυτων: PRON,gen,pl,m
- τας: ART,acc,pl,f
- αμαρτιας: NOUN,acc,pl,f
- παντοτε: ADV
- εφθασεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- δε: CONJ
- επ᾽αυτους: PREP+PRON,acc,pl,m
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- οργη: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- εις: PREP
- τελος: NOUN,nom,sg,n
Parallels
- Acts 13:46-48 (thematic): Paul and Barnabas declare that because Jews rejected the message they turn to the Gentiles so that salvation may come to them—paralleling the idea that Jewish opposition led the mission to the nations.
- Acts 28:28 (thematic): Paul’s statement that God’s salvation has been sent to the Gentiles after Jewish refusal parallels the consequence described in 1 Thess 2:16 (Gentile access to salvation as Jewish opposition persists).
- Isaiah 6:9-10 (allusion): Isaiah’s commission to make people hard of hearing and unseeing (so they will not repent) is an Old Testament background for NT statements that Jewish rejection brings judicial hardening—connecting to the idea of ‘filling up’ sins and resulting judgment.
- Romans 11:11-12 (thematic): Paul explains that Israel’s transgression has resulted in salvation for the Gentiles (and later riches for Israel), reflecting the same dynamic in 1 Thess 2:16 where Jewish resistance leads to Gentile inclusion.
- Romans 2:5-8 (thematic): Paul’s teaching that stubborn unrepentance stores up God’s wrath for judgment echoes 1 Thess 2:16’s statement that God’s wrath has come upon those who continually fill up their sins.
Alternative generated candidates
- by forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they may be saved—always filling up the measure of their sins. But God’s wrath has come upon them at last.
- for they forbid us to speak to the Gentiles so that they may be saved, thus always filling up the measure of their sins. But God's wrath has finally come upon them.
You yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain. But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to proclaim to you the gospel of God amid much conflict.
For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity, nor from deceit;
but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak—not to please men, but God who examines our hearts.
For we never used flattering speech, as you know, nor a cloak of greed—God is witness;
nor did we seek glory from people—neither from you nor from others—though we might have asserted authority as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her own children.
So, affectionately desirous to share not only the gospel of God but our very lives, we were eager to minister to you, for you had become dear to us.
For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: by night and by day we worked, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
You are witnesses—and God also—how holy, righteous, and blameless we were toward you who believe.
As you know, like a father with his children we exhorted each one of you, encouraged you, and solemnly charged you,
that you should walk worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. And for this reason we also give thanks to God without ceasing, that when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but, truly, as the word of God—which is at work in you who believe.
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea; for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews,
who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out; they do not please God and are hostile to all people,
hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—always filling up the measure of their sins. But the wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.