1 Thessalonians, 2
4. But, just as we have been tested by God, so that the Gospel would be entrusted to us, so also did we speak, not so as to please men, but rather to please God, who tests our hearts.
4. But, just as we have been tested by God, so that the Gospel would be entrusted to us, so also did we speak, not so as to please men, but rather to please God, who tests our hearts.
Chapter 2 of 1 Thessalonians presents Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica and his relationship with the local church. He highlights Paul's sincerity, integrity and self -denial in his service, as well as his passion for evangelization. Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the message he preached was not of mistake, impurity or greed, but a message that was accepted by them as the Word of God. Follow five verses that relate to the topics addressed in 1 Thessalonians 2:
2 Corinthians 2:17: "Unlike many, we are not like those who market the Word of God. On the contrary, we speak sincerely before God, as men sent by Him in Christ." This verse highlights the importance of sincerity and integrity in the ministry of the Word, themes that are also emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 2.
Philippians 1:15-18: "Some preach Christ for envy and rivalry, but others do so goodwill. The latter do so for love, knowing that I was placed here for the defense of the Gospel. Those preach Christ by selfish ambition , without sincerity, thinking that they would put me in prison during my chains. But what matters? The important thing is that in any way, whether for false or true reasons, Christ is being preached. And so I am happy. " This verse highlights the importance of preaching the gospel with sincerity and love, as opposed to selfish ambition or envy, themes that are also emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 2.
2 Corinthians 4:2: "But let us reject secret and shameful things, not acting with mistake or misrepresenting God's Word. On the contrary, through the clarity of truth, we recommend ourselves to the conscience of all before God." This verse highlights the importance of clarity and honesty in the preaching of the word, themes that are also emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 2.
2 Timothy 2:15: "Try to present yourself to God as an approved worker, who has nothing to be ashamed and correctly handles the word of truth." This verse highlights the importance of correctly handling God's Word, themes that are also emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 2.
Ephesians 6:19-20: "Pray for me too, that when I speak, the message be given to me so that, it is fearlessly to make known the mystery of the Gospel, for which I am an ambassador arrested in chains. That, remaining in it, I can speak without fear. " This verse highlights the importance of prayer and courage in the preaching of the Gospel, themes that are also emphasized in 1 Thessalonians 2.
“Vive-se de fé, não de sonhos.” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina