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class="icon"></span> </li> <li class="tabItem marginal" data-related-content="studyMarginals" aria-label="marginal"> <span class="icon"></span> </li> </ul> </div> <div class="navigationContents"> <div id="studyDiscover" class="studyPane active tabContent"> <div class="section"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui"><strong>Overview of 1 Thessalonians</strong></span></h3><div class="summaryOverview"><ul class="content"><li class='scalableui'><div class="overview chapterOnly"> <ul class="outline"><li class="L1 collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><p class="se title"><span class="itemLabel"><strong>B.</strong> </span><strong>THE SUCCESSFUL MINISTRY OF PAUL AND HIS FELLOW WORKERS IN THESSALONICA (</strong><a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2#h=6:0-14:0"><strong>2:1–3:13</strong></a><strong>)</strong></p><span class="icon"></span></div><ul><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Paul’s courageous ministry despite opposition (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2#h=6:0-7:0">2:1-4</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Paul’s gentle way of treating his fellow believers (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2#h=7:0-9:0">2:5-12</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Thessalonian Christians accept God’s word and endure opposition from their “own countrymen” (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2#h=9:0-10:0">2:13-16</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Paul longs to see his brothers in Thessalonica (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2#h=10:0-11:0">2:17-20</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Paul waits anxiously in Athens; Timothy sent to Thessalonica (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/3#h=11:0-12:0">3:1-5</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Timothy’s comforting report (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/3#h=12:0-13:0">3:6-10</a>)</p></li><li class="L2"><p class="s5">Paul prays that the Thessalonian Christians may abound in love (<a class="outlineItem noTooltips" href="/en/wol/b/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/3#h=13:0-14:0">3:11-13</a>)</p></li></ul></li></ul></div> </li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-1" data-section-citation="052002001052002001"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:1</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/14" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-15"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:1, 4</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-15" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-15" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-2" data-section-citation="052002002052002002"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:2</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p4" data-pid="4" class="s5"><strong>insolently treated in Philippi:</strong> Paul here refers to the events recorded at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/1/0" data-bid="2-1" class="b">Ac 16:12,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/1/1" data-bid="2-2" class="b"> 16-24</a>. Paul and Silas were dragged into the marketplace, hastily judged by the civil magistrates, stripped of their clothing, beaten with rods, thrown into prison, and put in stocks. Paul aptly characterizes all of that as being “insolently treated.” He uses a strong word that according to one reference work can refer to “treatment which is calculated publicly to insult and openly to humiliate the person who suffers from it.” Such abuse makes the boldness of Paul and Silas that much more remarkable.</p> <p id="p5" data-pid="5" class="s5"><strong>we mustered up boldness:</strong> Despite the insolent treatment they received in Philippi, Paul and Silas refused to cower, or shrink back. Instead, they “mustered up boldness,” or courage, to continue preaching. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/2/0" data-bid="3-1" class="b">Ac 17:2-10</a>) Paul humbly acknowledges that the boldness came <strong>by means of our God</strong> rather than as a result of their own inner strength. The psalmist David similarly said to Jehovah: “You made me bold and strong.” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/3/0" data-bid="4-1" class="b">Ps 138:3</a>; see also <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/4/0" data-bid="5-1" class="b">Ezr 7:28</a>.) The Greek term rendered “mustered up boldness” is used several times regarding Paul’s ministry, and it often carries the thought of “speaking with boldness.”—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/5/0" data-bid="6-1" class="b">Ac 13:46;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/5/1" data-bid="6-2" class="b"> 14:3;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/5/2" data-bid="6-3" class="b"> 19:8</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/0/0">study notes on Ac 4:13;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/1/0"> 28:31</a>.</p> <p id="p6" data-pid="6" class="s5"><strong>in the face of much opposition:</strong> It was not long after their arrival in Thessalonica that Paul and Silas faced harsh opposition. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/6/0" data-bid="7-1" class="b">Ac 17:1-14</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/2/0">study note on 1Th 1:6</a>.) However, because Paul loved the ministry, he endured opposition and boldly continued to preach the good news. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/7/0" data-bid="8-1" class="b">Ro 1:14, 15;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/7/1" data-bid="8-2" class="b"> 2Ti 4:2</a>) The Greek expression Paul uses might also be rendered “amid much struggling,” which implies that he and Silas resisted the opposition and struggled against it in order to preach boldly. Sometimes the expression was used of athletes in the Olympic Games, who struggled intensely for victory against their opponents.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/15" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-16"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 16:12, 22-24</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-16" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-16" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/16" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-17"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:1, 2</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-17" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-17" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p13" data-pid="13" class="se"></p> <p id="p14" data-pid="14" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/7/0"><em>Bearing Witness,</em> p. 133</a></p> <p id="p15" data-pid="15" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/8/0"><em>Enjoy Life Forever!,</em> lesson 59</a></p> <div id="p16" data-pid="16"><p data-pid="16" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/9/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="16" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/9/0">7/15/2009, p. 20</a></p><p data-pid="16" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/10/0">7/15/2008, pp. 8-9</a></p><p data-pid="16" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/11/0">12/15/1999, pp. 23-25</a></p> </div><p id="p17" data-pid="17" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p6" data-pid="6" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/4/0">bt 133;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/4/2"> lff lesson 59;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/4/4"> w09 7/15 20;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/4/6"> w08 7/15 8-9;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/4/8"> w99 12/15 23-25</a></p> <p id="p7" data-pid="7" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-3" data-section-citation="052002003052002003"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:3</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p8" data-pid="8" class="s5"><strong>uncleanness:</strong> In its figurative meaning, “uncleanness” (Greek, <em>a·ka·thar·siʹa</em>) encompasses impurity of any kind—in sexual matters, in speech, in action, and in spiritual relationships. (Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/9/0" data-bid="10-1" class="b">Ro 1:24;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/9/1" data-bid="10-2" class="b"> 1Co 7:14;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/9/2" data-bid="10-3" class="b"> 2Co 6:17;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/9/3" data-bid="10-4" class="b"> Eph 4:19;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/9/4" data-bid="10-5" class="b"> 1Th 4:7</a>.) In this context, “uncleanness” may refer to bad or impure motives.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/3/0">study note on Ga 5:19</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p12" data-pid="12" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/10/0">w73 575</a></p> <p id="p13" data-pid="13" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-4" data-section-citation="052002004052002004"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:4</span></h3><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/17" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-18"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Pr 17:3; Jer 11:20</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-18" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-18" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p17" data-pid="17" class="se"></p> <div id="p18" data-pid="18"><p data-pid="18" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/12/0"><em>The Watchtower</em> (Study)<em>,</em></a></p><p data-pid="18" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/12/0">3/2024, pp. 30-31</a></p> </div><p id="p19" data-pid="19" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p7" data-pid="7" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/5/0">w24.03 30-31;</a></p> <p id="p8" data-pid="8" class="sx"></p> <p id="p13" data-pid="13" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/11/0">w77 661</a></p> <p id="p14" data-pid="14" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-5" data-section-citation="052002005052002005"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:5</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p10" data-pid="10" class="s5"><strong>flattering speech:</strong> Flattery is false, insincere, or excessive praise—often given with the intent of gaining favor or material advantage. Such hypocritical speech is condemned in the Scriptures. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/11/0" data-bid="12-1" class="b">Ps 5:9;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/11/1" data-bid="12-2" class="b"> 12:2, 3</a>) One lexicon defines the Greek word <em>ko·la·kiʹa,</em> here rendered “flattering,” as “praise as a means of gratifying someone’s vanity.” This is the only occurrence of this word in the Christian Greek Scriptures. Paul says “God is witness!” that he “never used flattering speech” when preaching to the Thessalonians. When Christians shun flattery, they follow the foremost example of Jesus Christ himself. He instantly corrected a Jewish ruler who called him “Good Teacher,” apparently applying that phrase to Jesus as a flattering title.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/12/0" data-bid="13-1" class="b">Mr 10:17</a> and <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/4/0">study note,</a> <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/13/0" data-bid="14-1" class="b">18;</a> compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/14/0" data-bid="15-1" class="b">Job 32:21, 22</a>.</p> <p id="p11" data-pid="11" class="s5"><strong>false front:</strong> In this context, the Greek word rendered “false front” conveys the idea of “pretense; cover-up.” One lexicon defines it as “what is made to appear to others to hide the true state of things.” Paul and his companions never allowed greed to motivate them; nor did they harbor selfish motives that they needed to hide by means of flattering speech or deceptive means.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/18" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-19"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 20:33</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-19" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-19" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p14" data-pid="14" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/12/0">w77 294;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/12/2"> w65 131;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/12/3"> w63 424;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/12/4"> w61 367</a></p> <p id="p15" data-pid="15" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-6" data-section-citation="052002006052002006"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:6</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p13" data-pid="13" class="s5"><strong>seeking glory from men:</strong> As a humble minister endeavoring to imitate Christ, Paul may here have in mind Jesus’ similar expression: “I do not accept glory from men [or, “humans,” ftn.].” (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/16/0" data-bid="17-1" class="b">Joh 5:41;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/16/1" data-bid="17-2" class="b"> 7:18;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/16/2" data-bid="17-3" class="b"> 1Co 11:1</a>) Paul is not suggesting that it is wrong to show proper respect, or honor, to those in the congregation. (Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/17/0" data-bid="18-1" class="b">Ro 12:10;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/17/1" data-bid="18-2" class="b"> 1Ti 5:17</a>.) However, he refused to seek honor, prestige, fame, or praise from fellow humans.</p> <p id="p14" data-pid="14" class="s5"><strong>could be an expensive burden:</strong> Paul did not ask for even modest material support from the Thessalonian Christians to help him devote more time to his ministry. While in Corinth, he followed a similar course, although he later explained that he had a Scriptural basis to ask for such assistance. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/18/0" data-bid="19-1" class="b">1Co 9:11-15,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/18/1" data-bid="19-2" class="b"> 18</a>) According to <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/19/0" data-bid="20-1" class="b">1Th 2:9</a>, Paul worked “night and day” in Thessalonica, perhaps at his trade of tentmaking as he did in Corinth. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/5/0">study note on Ac 18:3</a>.) He may also have wanted to set an example that would help the Christians in Thessalonica.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/20/0" data-bid="21-1" class="b">2Th 3:7-12</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/19" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-20"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 9:14, 15; 2Co 11:9; 2Th 3:8, 10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-20" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-20" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p15" data-pid="15" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/13/0">g79 7/8 28;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/13/3"> w77 446</a></p> <p id="p16" data-pid="16" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-7" data-section-citation="052002007052002007"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:7</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p16" data-pid="16" class="s5"><strong>gentle:</strong> Paul and his companions “became gentle” because they loved the Thessalonian brothers and felt concern for their spiritual growth. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/22/0" data-bid="23-1" class="b">1Th 2:8</a>) Some translations, though, read “became little children” or “became infants.” The reason for such different wording is that some Greek manuscripts use a word that means “gentle” (<em>eʹpi·oi</em>), while others use a word that means “infants; young children” (<em>neʹpi·oi</em>). The two Greek words differ by only one letter. Some scholars explain the variation in manuscripts by suggesting that scribes unintentionally duplicated the Greek letter “n” from the preceding word—an error called a dittography. However, the context and the ensuing comparison to a nursing mother favor the word “gentle,” which is used in many modern translations.</p> <p id="p17" data-pid="17" class="s5"><strong>a nursing mother:</strong> Within a few verses, Paul uses two vivid metaphors based on family relationships, which reflected the warm feelings that he and the Thessalonian Christians had for one another. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/23/0" data-bid="24-1" class="b">1Th 3:6</a>) Here Paul likens the relationship that he and his companions had with the congregation to that of “a nursing mother,” one who loves her children so deeply that she puts their interests ahead of her own. Then, at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/24/0" data-bid="25-1" class="b">1Th 2:11</a>, Paul shifts to a metaphor of a father. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/6/0">study note</a>.) The term rendered “nursing mother” occurs only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures. However, it is used in the <em>Septuagint</em> at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/25/0" data-bid="26-1" class="b">Isa 49:23</a>, where Jehovah says that when he brought his people back from exile, he would provide princesses who would act as “nurses.”</p> <p id="p18" data-pid="18" class="s5"><strong>tenderly cares for:</strong> Or “cherishes.” The Greek expression used here literally means “to warm; to make warm.” In this context, it may have brought to mind the way a human mother would care for her children by keeping them warm and comfortable. In the <em>Septuagint,</em> this word is used at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/26/0" data-bid="27-1" class="b">De 22:6</a> (for the Hebrew “sitting on”) and at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/27/0" data-bid="28-1" class="b">Job 39:14</a> (“keeps . . . warm”) to describe the way a mother bird warms her fledglings or her eggs.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p19" data-pid="19" class="se"></p> <p id="p20" data-pid="20" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/13/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> pp. 923-924</a></p> <div id="p21" data-pid="21"><p data-pid="21" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/14/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="21" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/14/0">11/15/2000, p. 22</a></p><p data-pid="21" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/15/0">9/15/1989, p. 17</a></p><p data-pid="21" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/16/0">10/1/1986, p. 10</a></p><p data-pid="21" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/17/0">5/1/1986, p. 25</a></p> </div><p id="p22" data-pid="22" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p8" data-pid="8" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/6/0">it-1 923-924;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/6/2"> w00 11/15 22;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/6/4"> w89 9/15 17;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/6/6"> w86 5/1 25;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/6/8"> w86 10/1 10;</a></p> <p id="p9" data-pid="9" class="sx"></p> <p id="p16" data-pid="16" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/0">g82 9/8 17;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/2"> bw 146;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/5"> g79 7/8 28;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/8"> w78 2/15 4;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/10"> w77 69-70;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/12"> ad 646;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/13"> w65 644;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/14"> w63 150,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/15"> 212,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/16"> 640;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/17"> w62 340,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/18"> 500;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/19"> w61 112,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/20"> 328,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/14/21"> 676</a></p> <p id="p17" data-pid="17" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-8" data-section-citation="052002008052002008"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:8</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p20" data-pid="20" class="s5"><strong>having tender affection:</strong> Paul expresses his feelings toward the Thessalonian Christians by using a Greek verb that according to one lexicon conveys the idea of “experiencing a strong feeling intensified by an inner attachment.” Another lexicon defines it as “to have a strong yearning” or to “long for.”</p> <p id="p21" data-pid="21" class="s5"><strong>determined:</strong> Paul and his fellow workers had “tender affection” for those in Thessalonica who had accepted the good news. Those feelings moved Paul and his companions to expend themselves fully for those new Christians. The Greek verb here rendered “determined” conveys the idea that they were resolved and delighted (lit., “well-pleased”) to do so. One reference work also states of Paul: “The imperfect tense of the [Greek] verb expresses a continuous determination to give himself to his converts.”</p> <p id="p22" data-pid="22" class="s5"><strong>selves:</strong> Or “lives”; “souls.”—See Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/7/0">Soul</a>.”</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/20" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-21"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 15:13; 2Co 12:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-21" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-21" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/21" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-22"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 13:35</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-22" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-22" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p22" data-pid="22" class="se"></p> <div id="p23" data-pid="23"><p data-pid="23" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/18/0"><em>The Watchtower,</em></a></p><p data-pid="23" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/18/0">11/15/2000, p. 22</a></p><p data-pid="23" class="sk"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/19/0">10/1/1986, p. 10</a></p> </div><p id="p24" data-pid="24" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p9" data-pid="9" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/7/0">w00 11/15 22;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/7/2"> w86 10/1 10;</a></p> <p id="p10" data-pid="10" class="sx"></p> <p id="p17" data-pid="17" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/0">w78 2/15 4;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/2"> w75 177-179;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/4"> w74 338;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/6"> w63 150;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/7"> w62 338,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/8"> 500;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/9"> w61 55,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/10"> 112,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/15/11"> 676</a></p> <p id="p18" data-pid="18" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-9" data-section-citation="052002009052002009"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:9</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p24" data-pid="24" class="s5"><strong>not put an expensive burden:</strong> See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/8/0">study note on 1Th 2:6</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group media"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Media</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="scalableui item"><div class="clearfix"><a class="galleryItem" href="/en/wol/gallery/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/1001072278#chapter=2"><img class="studyItemMedia" src="/en/wol/gallery/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/1001072278/thumbnail" data-img-large-src="/en/wol/mp/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/2024/925" ><span class="caption"><p>Paul Works to Support Himself in the Ministry in Thessalonica</p> </span></a></div></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/22" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-23"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 18:3; 20:34; 1Co 4:11, 12; 2Co 11:9; 2Th 3:8, 10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-23" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-23" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p18" data-pid="18" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/16/0">w82 12/1 21;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/16/2"> w75 177-179;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/16/4"> g74 1/8 28;</a><span class="ni"> g65 12/8 12;</span><span class="ni"> g62 9/8 4;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/16/8"> w53 710;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/16/9"> w51 250</a></p> <p id="p19" data-pid="19" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-10" data-section-citation="052002010052002010"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:10</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p19" data-pid="19" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/17/0">w73 473</a></p> <p id="p20" data-pid="20" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-11" data-section-citation="052002011052002011"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:11</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p26" data-pid="26" class="s5"><strong>just as a father does his children:</strong> Paul here compares his role among the Thessalonians to that of a father who lovingly exhorts and consoles his children and teaches them vital truths. (Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/31/0" data-bid="32-1" class="b">De 6:6, 7;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/31/1" data-bid="32-2" class="b"> Ps 78:5, 6</a>.) This metaphor complements the one at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/32/0" data-bid="33-1" class="b">1Th 2:7</a>, where Paul uses the comparison of a nursing mother. (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/9/0">study note</a>.) Both word pictures stress that Paul and his companions, though shepherds with God-given authority, sought to promote a loving, supportive, familylike atmosphere in the congregation.—Compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/33/0" data-bid="34-1" class="b">1Ti 5:1, 2</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/23" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-24"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 20:31</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-24" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-24" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/24" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-25"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 4:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-25" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-25" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-12" data-section-citation="052002012052002012"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:12</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p28" data-pid="28" class="s5"><strong>go on walking worthily of God:</strong> Paul here compares the Christian’s course of life to walking, using an expression similar to the one at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/35/0" data-bid="36-1" class="b">Col 1:10</a>.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/10/0">study note</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/25" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-26"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1Pe 1:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-26" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-26" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/26" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-27"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Lu 22:28-30</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-27" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-27" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/27" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-28"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Pe 5:10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-28" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-28" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-13" data-section-citation="052002013052002013"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:13</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p30" data-pid="30" class="s5"><strong>you received God’s word:</strong> The Thessalonian Christians received God’s word, or message, by means of the preaching of Paul and Silas (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/37/0" data-bid="38-1" class="b">Ac 17:1-4</a>) but understood that it was not a human message. It originated with Jehovah God and was based on the inspired Hebrew Scriptures. However, from Jesus’ time on, the term “God’s word” (or “the word of God”) also included the good news about salvation through Jesus. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/38/0" data-bid="39-1" class="b">Eph 1:12, 13;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/38/1" data-bid="39-2" class="b"> Col 4:3</a>) When the Christian Greek Scriptures were compiled, Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians was likely the first of his writings to become part of the inspired Word of God. The apostle Peter later classified Paul’s writings as part of “the Scriptures.”—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/39/0" data-bid="40-1" class="b">2Pe 3:15, 16</a>; see Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/11/0">Canon (Bible canon)</a>.”</p> <p id="p31" data-pid="31" class="s5"><strong>which is also at work in you believers:</strong> A form of the Greek word <em>e·ner·geʹo,</em> here rendered “is . . . at work,” may also be rendered “energizes.” (See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/12/0">study note on Php 2:13</a>.) Because the message that Paul and his coworkers were preaching was no mere “word of men [or, “humans”]” but, rather, “the word of God,” it was powerfully at work in genuine believers. (At <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/40/0" data-bid="41-1" class="b">Heb 4:12</a>, a related Greek term is rendered “exerts power.”) During his ministry, Paul saw many who made extraordinary changes in their lives, thanks to the power of God’s word. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/41/0" data-bid="42-1" class="b">1Co 6:9-11;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/41/1" data-bid="42-2" class="b"> Eph 2:3;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/41/2" data-bid="42-3" class="b"> Tit 3:3</a>) Paul himself was living proof of the power of “the word of God” to change a man’s personality and way of life.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/42/0" data-bid="43-1" class="b">Ga 1:13,</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/42/1" data-bid="43-2" class="b"> 22, 23;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/42/2" data-bid="43-3" class="b"> 1Ti 1:12-14</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/28" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-29"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Th 1:2, 3</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-29" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-29" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p24" data-pid="24" class="se"></p> <p id="p25" data-pid="25" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/20/0"><em>Enjoy Life Forever!,</em> lesson 5</a></p> <p id="p26" data-pid="26" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p10" data-pid="10" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/8/0">lff lesson 5;</a></p> <p id="p11" data-pid="11" class="sx"></p> <p id="p20" data-pid="20" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/18/0">g79 10/8 3;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/18/2"> hs 128;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/18/4"> w73 150;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/18/6"> kj 292;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/18/7"> w70 613-614;</a><span class="ni"> g61 11/22 28;</span><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/18/10"> w60 7</a></p> <p id="p21" data-pid="21" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-14" data-section-citation="052002014052002014"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:14</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p33" data-pid="33" class="s5"><strong>you suffered at the hands of your own countrymen:</strong> See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/13/0">study note on 1Th 1:6</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/29" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-30"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:5</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-30" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-30" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p26" data-pid="26" class="se"></p> <p id="p27" data-pid="27" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/21/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 438</a></p> <p id="p28" data-pid="28" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p11" data-pid="11" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/9/0">it-1 438;</a></p> <p id="p12" data-pid="12" class="sx"></p> <p id="p21" data-pid="21" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/19/0">ad 315;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/19/1"> w61 139;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/19/2"> w51 345</a></p> <p id="p22" data-pid="22" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-15" data-section-citation="052002015052002015"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:15</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p35" data-pid="35" class="s5"><strong>they are not pleasing God:</strong> These words apply to those who try to prevent others from becoming reconciled to God and gaining the hope of salvation and eternal life. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/45/0" data-bid="46-1" class="b">1Th 2:16</a>) Like Paul when he persecuted Christians, such persecutors may imagine that they are actually rendering sacred service to God. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/46/0" data-bid="47-1" class="b">Joh 16:2;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/46/1" data-bid="47-2" class="b"> Ga 1:13;</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/46/2" data-bid="47-3" class="b"> 1Ti 1:13</a>) In truth, those who persecute Christians have not come to know either Jehovah or his Son.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/47/0" data-bid="48-1" class="b">Joh 16:3</a>.</p> <p id="p36" data-pid="36" class="s5"><strong>against the interests of all men:</strong> Those who persecute true Christians can be said to act against the interests of all mankind because the preaching work, initiated by Jesus, is Jehovah’s means of reconciling sinful humans to Himself.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/14/0">study notes on 2Co 5:18,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/15/0"> 19</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/30" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-31"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 2:22, 23; 7:52</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-31" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-31" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/31" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-32"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 5:12; 23:34</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-32" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-32" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p22" data-pid="22" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/20/0">g73 5/22 27</a></p> <p id="p23" data-pid="23" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-16" data-section-citation="052002016052002016"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:16</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p38" data-pid="38" class="s5"><strong>they always fill up the measure of their sins:</strong> Paul here refers to first-century Jews who “killed the Lord Jesus” and who violently persecuted his followers. (<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/49/0" data-bid="50-1" class="b">1Th 2:15</a>) Those opposers also tried to prevent Christians “from speaking to people of the nations.” The expression “fill up the measure of their sins” indicates that they sin as much as possible. In saying that they <strong>always</strong> do so, Paul indicates that the Jewish persecutors were continuing in the course that their forefathers had been following for centuries.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/16/0">study note on Mt 23:32</a>.</p> <p id="p39" data-pid="39" class="s5"><strong>his wrath:</strong> Lit., “the wrath.” The tense of the Greek verb rendered <strong>has . . . come</strong> highlights that God’s wrath was certain to come upon the Jews. This wrath culminated in the destruction of Jerusalem and its temple in 70 C.E. by the Romans. Some ancient manuscripts here read “the wrath of God.”</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group footnote"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Footnotes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item footnote" data-extract-id="verseFootnote-1"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">*</span></span><span class="scalableui"><p id="p28" data-pid="28">Or “as they keep on forbidding us to speak.”</p> </span></li><li class="item footnote" data-extract-id="verseFootnote-2"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">*</span></span><span class="scalableui"><p id="p29" data-pid="29">Or possibly, “has come upon them completely.”</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/32" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-33"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Lu 11:52; Ac 13:49, 50</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-33" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-33" class="extract"></div></div></li><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/33" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-34"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 1:18</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-34" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-34" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p23" data-pid="23" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/21/0">po 173;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/21/2"> g73 5/22 27;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/21/4"> w62 233</a></p> <p id="p24" data-pid="24" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-17" data-section-citation="052002017052002017"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:17</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p41" data-pid="41" class="s5"><strong>we were separated from you:</strong> Or “we were bereaved of you.” Paul here employs a Greek verb (<em>a·por·pha·niʹzo</em>) that is related to the term rendered “orphans” (plural of <em>or·pha·nosʹ</em>) at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/51/0" data-bid="52-1" class="b">Jas 1:27</a> and that could literally be rendered “to be made orphans.” However, it was also used to describe bereavement in general, including that of parents whose children died. In <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/52/0" data-bid="53-1" class="b">verses 7</a> and <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/53/0" data-bid="54-1" class="b">11</a> of this chapter, Paul compared himself and his companions to a nursing mother and to a father. Therefore, he may have used this term to indicate that he and his companions felt like parents who had lost their children—so keenly did they feel bereaved of association with their family of fellow believers in Thessalonica. This is another example of how Paul used terms associated with the family to describe his relationship with fellow believers.—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/17/0">study notes on 1Th 2:7,</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/18/0"> 11</a>.</p> <p id="p42" data-pid="42" class="s5"><strong>for just a short time:</strong> Paul uses an idiom that occurs only here in the Christian Greek Scriptures. It could more literally be rendered “for a season (an appointed time) of an hour.” His point seems to be that even though he had just seen his fellow believers in Thessalonica—perhaps a few months earlier—he longs to see them again. Paul thus assures them that despite this involuntary separation, he made every effort to be reunited with them. To comfort them, he sent Timothy.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/54/0" data-bid="55-1" class="b">1Th 3:1, 2</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group footnote"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Footnotes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item footnote" data-extract-id="verseFootnote-3"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">*</span></span><span class="scalableui"><p id="p30" data-pid="30">Lit., “to see your face.”</p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-18" data-section-citation="052002018052002018"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:18</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p44" data-pid="44" class="s5"><strong>Satan cut across our path:</strong> The Greek expression rendered “cut across our path” could also be rendered “blocked our way” or “hindered us.” Paul uses the same verb at <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/56/0" data-bid="57-1" class="b">Ro 15:22</a>. This verb was sometimes used of the practice of breaking up a road to render it impassable and also of the military tactic of breaking through an enemy line. Paul may have had in mind some tactic that opposers in Thessalonica used to keep him from returning there. Whatever the hindrance was, Paul here under inspiration attributes it to Satan, knowing him to be “the god of this system of things.”—See <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/19/0">study notes on Joh 12:31;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/20/0"> 2Co 4:4</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p24" data-pid="24" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/22/0">sl 355;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/22/2"> w51 377;</a><span class="ni"> w41 253</span></p> <p id="p25" data-pid="25" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-19" data-section-citation="052002019052002019"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:19</span></h3><div class="studyNoteGroup"><ul class="content"><li class="item studyNote" data-extract-id=""><span class="scalableui"><p id="p46" data-pid="46" class="s5"><strong>crown of exultation:</strong> Paul calls the Christians in Thessalonica a “crown of exultation.” He may have had in mind a custom in which a visiting dignitary, a distinguished public servant, or an athlete was given a crown or a wreath to wear as a token of honor and accomplishment. The Greek word rendered “exultation” conveys the idea of “rejoicing,” but it could also denote “boasting; taking pride in.” It is here used in the positive sense of a joyous, fitting kind of pride over the privilege of helping to form the Christian congregation in Thessalonica.—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/58/0" data-bid="59-1" class="b">2Th 1:4</a>; compare <a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/59/0" data-bid="60-1" class="b">Php 4:1</a>; compare <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/21/0">study note on 2Co 10:17</a>.</p> <p id="p47" data-pid="47" class="s5"><strong>presence:</strong> This is the first of six times that Paul mentions Christ’s presence in his two letters to the Thessalonians. (See Glossary, “<a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/22/0">Presence</a>”; see also “<a class="it" href="/en/wol/tc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/0">Introduction to 1 Thessalonians</a>.”) Paul looks forward to the presence of the Lord Jesus, and he delights in the prospect that his dear fellow believers would be rewarded during that time. Later in the letter, he prays that they be found “blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the presence of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.”—<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/60/0" data-bid="61-1" class="b">1Th 3:13</a>; see <a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1001070784/23/0">study note on 1Co 15:23</a>.</p> </span></li></ul></div><div class="group marginal"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Marginal References</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item collapsible marginal marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/34" data-extract-id="verseMarginal-35"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="scalableui">+</span></span><span class="icon"></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Php 4:1; 1Th 5:23; 2Th 1:4</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-35" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="verseMarginal-35" class="extract"></div></div></li></ul></div><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-rsg" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Research Guide</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p28" data-pid="28" class="se"></p> <p id="p29" data-pid="29" class="su"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1204442/22/0"><em>Insight,</em> Volume 1<em>,</em> p. 553</a></p> <p id="p30" data-pid="30" class="se"></p> </span></li><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p12" data-pid="12" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200270052/10/0">it-1 553;</a></p> <p id="p13" data-pid="13" class="sx"></p> <p id="p25" data-pid="25" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/23/0">w84 8/1 17;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/23/2"> w75 183;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/23/4"> w66 340</a></p> <p id="p26" data-pid="26" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div><div class="section" data-key="52-2-20" data-section-citation="052002020052002020"><h3 class="title"><span class="scalableui">1 Thessalonians 2:20</span></h3><div class="group index collapsible collapsed"><div class="header"><span class="marker"><span class="icon"></span></span><span class="icon"></span><h4 class="title"><span class="scalableui">Indexes</span></h4></div><ul class="content"><li class="item ref-dx" data-extract-id=""><div class="subtitle">Publications Index</div><span class="scalableui"><p id="p26" data-pid="26" class="sx"><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/24/0">w84 8/1 17;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/24/2"> w75 183;</a><a href="/en/wol/pc/r1/lp-e/1200020052/24/4"> w66 340</a></p> <p id="p27" data-pid="27" class="sx"></p> </span></li></ul></div></div> </div> <div id="studyParallel" class="studyPane tabContent"> <div class="section"> <h3 class="title">Parallel Translations</h3> <div class="helpText">Click a verse number to display parallel Bible verses.</div> <div class="parallel"> <div class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div> <div class="extract"></div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="studyMarginals" class="studyPane tabContent"> <div class="section marginalsGeneral"><h3 class="title"><span class="sectionIcon"></span><span class="scalableui">General</span></h3><div class="content categorizedMarginal"><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/14/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-15-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:1</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:1, 4</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-15-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-15-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/15/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-16-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:2</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 16:12, 22-24</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-16-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-16-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/16/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-17-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:2</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:1, 2</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-17-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-17-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/17/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-18-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:4</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Pr 17:3; Jer 11:20</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-18-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-18-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/18/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-19-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:5</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 20:33</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-19-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-19-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/19/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-20-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:6</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 9:14, 15; 2Co 11:9; 2Th 3:8, 10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-20-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-20-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/20/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-21-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:8</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 15:13; 2Co 12:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-21-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-21-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/21/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-22-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:8</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Joh 13:35</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-22-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-22-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/22/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-23-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:9</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 18:3; 20:34; 1Co 4:11, 12; 2Co 11:9; 2Th 3:8, 10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-23-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-23-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/23/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-24-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:11</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 20:31</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-24-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-24-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/24/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-25-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:11</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Co 4:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-25-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-25-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/25/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-26-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:12</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Eph 4:1; Col 1:10; 1Pe 1:15</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-26-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-26-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/26/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-27-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:12</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Lu 22:28-30</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-27-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-27-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/27/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-28-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:12</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Pe 5:10</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-28-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-28-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/28/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-29-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:13</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">1Th 1:2, 3</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-29-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-29-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/29/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-30-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:14</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 17:5</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-30-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-30-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/30/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-31-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:15</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ac 2:22, 23; 7:52</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-31-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-31-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/31/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-32-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:15</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Mt 5:12; 23:34</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-32-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-32-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/32/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-33-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:16</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Lu 11:52; Ac 13:49, 50</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-33-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-33-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/33/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-34-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:16</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Ro 1:18</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-34-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-34-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div><div><div><div class="item collapsible marginalExpander collapsed" data-src="/en/wol/marginalreference/r1/lp-e/nwtsty/52/2/34/1" data-extract-id="categorizedMarginal-35-1"><div class="header"><span class="icon"></span><span class="source"><span class="scalableui">1 Thess. 2:19</span></span><span class="marginal title"><span class="scalableui">Php 4:1; 1Th 5:23; 2Th 1:4</span></span></div><div class="content"><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-35-1" class="loading hidden"><span class="icon"></span></div><div data-extract-target-id="categorizedMarginal-35-1" class="extract"></div></div></div></div></div></div></div> </div> </div> </div> </div> <div id="studyPaneGalleryModel" class="jwac showRuby ml-E ms-ROMAN dir-ltr"> <div id="galleryModalContainer" class="underlay full fadeOut"> <div id="galleryModal"> <div 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class="verse gridItem "><a class="verseItem" href="#v=52:2:20">20</a></li> </ul> </div> </div> </div> </nav> </div> </div> <div id="documentCitationInformation"> <div>New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures (Study Edition)</div> <div>1 Thessalonians 2:1-20</div> </div> <div id="content" class="content"> <div class="articlePositioner" lang="en" data-lang="E" dir="ltr"> <div id="banner" class="documentBanner showRuby ml-E ms-ROMAN dir-ltr" lang="en" data-lang="E" dir="ltr"> </div> <article id="article" class="article bible html5 pub-nwtsty jwac showRuby ml-E ms-ROMAN dir-ltr includeSecondaryNav" lang="en" data-lang="E" dir="ltr" role="article"> <div class="scalableui"> <header> <h1>The First to the Thessalonians</h1> </header> <p id="p6" data-pid="6" class="sb"><span id="v52-2-1-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29663" class="cl vp"><strong>2</strong> </a>You yourselves surely know, brothers, that our visit to you has not been without results.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/14" data-bid="15-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v52-2-2-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29664" class="vl vx vp study">2 </a>For although we had first suffered and been insolently treated in Phi·lipʹpi,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/15" data-bid="16-1" class="b">+</a> as you know, we mustered up boldness by means of our God to tell you the good news of God<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/16" data-bid="17-1" class="b">+</a> in the face of much opposition. </span><span id="v52-2-3-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29665" class="vl vx vp study">3 </a>For the exhortation we give does not spring from error or from uncleanness or with deceit, </span><span id="v52-2-4-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29666" class="vl vx vp">4 </a>but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the good news, so we speak to please, not men, but God, who examines our hearts.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/17" data-bid="18-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p7" data-pid="7" class="sb"><span id="v52-2-5-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29667" class="vl vx vp study">5 </a>In fact, you know that we never used flattering speech or put on any false front with greedy motives;<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/18" data-bid="19-1" class="b">+</a> God is witness! </span><span id="v52-2-6-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29668" class="vl vx vp study">6 </a>Nor have we been seeking glory from men, either from you or from others, though we could be an expensive burden as apostles of Christ.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/19" data-bid="20-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v52-2-7-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29669" class="vl vx vp study">7 </a>On the contrary, we became gentle in your midst, as when a nursing mother tenderly cares for her own children. </span><span id="v52-2-8-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29670" class="vl vx vp study">8 </a>So having tender affection for you, we were determined to impart to you, not only the good news of God but also our very selves,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/20" data-bid="21-1" class="b">+</a> because you became so beloved to us.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/21" data-bid="22-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p8" data-pid="8" class="sb"><span id="v52-2-9-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29671" class="vl vx vp study">9 </a>Surely you remember, brothers, our labor and toil. We were working night and day, so that we would not put an expensive burden on any one of you,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/22" data-bid="23-1" class="b">+</a> when we preached the good news of God to you. </span><span id="v52-2-10-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29672" class="vl vx vp">10 </a>You are witnesses, God is also, of how loyal and righteous and blameless we behaved toward you believers. </span><span id="v52-2-11-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29673" class="vl vx vp study">11 </a>You well know that we kept exhorting and consoling you and bearing witness to each one of you,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/23" data-bid="24-1" class="b">+</a> just as a father<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/24" data-bid="25-1" class="b">+</a> does his children, </span><span id="v52-2-12-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29674" class="vl vx vp study">12 </a>so that you would go on walking worthily of God,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/25" data-bid="26-1" class="b">+</a> who is calling you to his Kingdom<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/26" data-bid="27-1" class="b">+</a> and glory.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/27" data-bid="28-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p9" data-pid="9" class="sb"><span id="v52-2-13-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29675" class="vl vx vp study">13 </a>Indeed, that is why we also thank God unceasingly,<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/28" data-bid="29-1" class="b">+</a> because when you received God’s word, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but, just as it truthfully is, as the word of God, which is also at work in you believers. </span><span id="v52-2-14-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29676" class="vl vx vp study">14 </a>For you, brothers, became imitators of the congregations of God in union with Christ Jesus that are in Ju·deʹa, because you suffered at the hands of your own countrymen<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29" data-bid="30-1" class="b">+</a> the same things that they also are suffering at the hands of the Jews, </span><span id="v52-2-15-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29677" class="vl vx vp study">15 </a>who even killed the Lord Jesus<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/30" data-bid="31-1" class="b">+</a> and the prophets and persecuted us.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/31" data-bid="32-1" class="b">+</a> Furthermore, they are not pleasing God, but are against the interests of all men, </span><span id="v52-2-16-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29678" class="vl vx vp study">16 </a>as they try to prevent us from speaking<a id="footnotesource1" data-fnid="1" class="fn" href="/en/wol/fn/r1/lp-e/1001070156/0">*</a> to people of the nations so that these might be saved.<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/32" data-bid="33-1" class="b">+</a> In this way they always fill up the measure of their sins. But his wrath has at last come upon them.<a id="footnotesource2" data-fnid="2" class="fn pr" href="/en/wol/fn/r1/lp-e/1001070156/1">*</a><a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/33" data-bid="34-1" class="b">+</a></span></p> <p id="p10" data-pid="10" class="sb"><span id="v52-2-17-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29679" class="vl vx vp study">17 </a>But when we were separated from you, brothers, for just a short time (in person, not in our hearts), because of our strong desire, we made every effort to see you in person.<a id="footnotesource3" data-fnid="3" class="fn" href="/en/wol/fn/r1/lp-e/1001070156/2">*</a> </span><span id="v52-2-18-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29680" class="vl vx vp study">18 </a>For this reason we wanted to come to you, yes I, Paul, tried not just once but twice; yet Satan cut across our path. </span><span id="v52-2-19-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29681" class="vl vx vp study">19 </a>For what is our hope or joy or crown of exultation before our Lord Jesus at his presence? Is it not in fact you?<a href="/en/wol/bc/r1/lp-e/1001070156/34" data-bid="35-1" class="b">+</a> </span><span id="v52-2-20-1" class="v"><a href="/en/wol/dx/r1/lp-e/1001070156/29682" class="vl vx vp">20 </a>You certainly are our glory and joy.</span></p>  <div class="pswp" tabindex="-1" role="dialog" aria-hidden="true"> <div class="pswp__bg"></div> <div class="pswp__scroll-wrap">  <div class="pswp__container"> <div class="pswp__item"></div> <div class="pswp__item"></div> <div class="pswp__item"></div> </div> <div class="pswp__ui pswp__ui--hidden"> <div class="pswp__top-bar"> <div class="pswp__counter"></div> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--close" title="Close (Esc)"></button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--fs" title="Toggle fullscreen"></button> <button class="pswp__button pswp__button--zoom" title="Zoom in/out"></button> <div class="pswp__preloader"> <div class="pswp__preloader__icn"> <div class="pswp__preloader__cut"> <div class="pswp__preloader__donut"></div> 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