By David Watson

Benchley, October 25, 2020

* I Thessalonians 2:1-20* I Thessalonians 2:1-2 – Paul had been mistreated in Philippi (Acts 16:12-40). Paul was jailed, then miraculously freed and the jailer was converted. Paul persisted in spreading the gospel with boldness.* Hebrews 12:1-3* I Thessalonians 2:3-12 – You are witnesses and so is God.* I Corinthians 11:1; Philippians 4:9 – Paul sometimes used himself as an example.* II Corinthians 12:13 – Paul was prepared to give himself to help them.* II Thessalonians 2:10* Could we use ourselves as examples to others?* I Thessalonians 2:6 – Paul could have thrown his weight around as an apostle but did not.* I Thessalonians 2:9 – Paul was worthy of wages as a preacher but did not burden them (II Thessalonians 3:8).* I Thessalonians 2:7, 11 – Paul described himself as a father or mother trying to help his children toward the end goal (I Thessalonians 2:12).* There may be times when it is permissible to do something, but it’s more beneficial if we give up personal liberties and refrain.* I Thessalonians 2:13 – Paul wrote that the word “performs its work in you who believe.” Compare Psalms 119:103-105; Acts 20:32; Romans 6:17-18; II Timothy 3:15-16; Hebrews 4:12.* I Thessalonians 2:14-16 – The Thessalonians suffered just like brethren in other churches (Acts 4:3; 17:5; Philippians 3:10; II Timothy 3:12). Suffering is a theme and point of fellowship among Christ and Christians and not a sign that Christians are doing something wrong.* I Thessalonians 2:17-20 – Paul had formed a close relationship with them and longed to see them. See Philippians 4:16. Some time had possibly passed between Acts 17:4 and Acts 17:5. He spent at least three weeks with them according to Acts 17:2.