1 THESSALONIANS 2:7 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:”
But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children — the image of maternal tenderness revolutionizes expectations of apostolic authority; strength and gentleness (nepios, nurseling-like) coexist. Paul does not lord his authority but nurtures; the metaphor of nursing care (thalpō) suggests intimate, vulnerable dedication. Authority expressed as servanthood.
Church Fathers on 1 Thessalonians 2:7
“But we were gentle,” he says; we exhibited nothing that was offensive or troublesome, nothing displeasing, or boastful. And the expression “in the midst of you,” is as if one should say, we were as one of you, not taking the higher lot. “As when a nurse cherishes her own children.” So ought the teacher to be. Does the nurse flatter that she may obtain glory? Does she ask money of her little children? Is she offensive or burdensome to them? Are they not more indulgent to them…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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