1 Thessalonians 2

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

For ye are our glory and joy.

← Previous Chapter Next Chapter →

1 Thessalonians 2:20

“For ye are our glory and joy.”

Study Summary

For you are our glory and joy — the affirmation is unqualified and transcendent; the Thessalonians embody the consummation of Paul's apostolic calling. They are his 'glory' (doxa) in the most profound sense — not as a trophy but as transformed lives now bearing the divine image. Love expresses itself in the recognition of the beloved's worth.

Community Reflections

Mary Patel (test user)7h ago

The promise of restoration — 1 Thessalonians 2

I think this is a call to trust beyond what we can see. Their context of persecution gives these words a weight we often miss.. There's something deeply comforting about knowing that the same God who spoke these words is the same yesterday, today, and forever.. The contrast between human weakness and divine strength is so vivid in this passage. What a reminder that God's ways are not our ways. God is faithful in every circumstance.. God is faithful in every circumstance.. God is faithful in every circumstance.. It implies covenant loyalty, steadfast love that never wavers.. Today it speaks comfort; a year ago it spoke conviction.. The promise here is not conditional on our strength but on His character.. The thread of covenant runs through every book of the Bible.. I think this is a call to trust beyond what we can see. God is faithful in every circumstance..…

Read the note →