1 THESSALONIANS 2:5 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:”
For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, or with a cloak for greed — as God is witness — the explicit invocation of divine witness underscores the solemnity of the apostolic claim. Flattery (kolakeia) is the tool of the deceiver; it panders rather than prophesies. The 'cloak for greed' (prophasis pleonexias) is the religious garb worn by the greedy heart; Paul will not hide avarice in sanctity.
Church Fathers on 1 Thessalonians 2:5
For “neither at any time,” he says, “were we found using words of flattery”; that is, we did not flatter, which is the part of deceivers, who wish to get possession and to domineer. No one can say that we flattered in order to rule, nor that we had recourse to it for the sake of wealth. Of this, which was manifest, he afterwards calls them to be witnesses. “Whether we flattered,” he says, “you know.” But as to what was uncertain, namely, whether it were in the way of…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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