Non-deceitful Exhortation 1 Thessalonians 2:3

Even though Paul the apostle and the men with him were “shamefully entreated” and “suffered” while they were in the city of Philippi, they were “bold in” their “God to speak unto” the Thessalonians concerning “the gospel of God”, and their sharing came “with much contention”. In chapter two and verse three of his letter to the Thessalonians, Paul shared the motive and the manner in which he and his entourage presented the gospel where we read:

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

The verse begins, “For our exhortation was not of deceit,...” Paul began with the word, “For” which is a conclusion word meaning “because, even, indeed, no doubt, seeing then, therefore, verily and yet” “our exhortation” which refers to “Paul and his companion's calling near, summoning, importing, making supplication, entreating, admonishing, encouraging, comforting, giving solace and refreshment to” “was not of deceit” which means “wandering around, straying, roaming in error which leads into fraud”. Paul and the men with him were not deceitful when they shared the gospel with the Thessalonians.

The verse goes on to say, “...nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:” Paul went on to add, “nor of uncleanness” which means “with impure, lustful, luxurious and profligate living which consist of debased motives” “nor in guile” which is “craft, deceit, decoy, trick and subtlety”. There was no trickery or craftiness to Paul's words, he shared the gospel of Jesus Christ with the Thessalonians with a pure heart which looked after them without any ulterior motive.

When we meditate upon these words of Paul, we see the importance not only of what Paul and his entourage told the Thessalonians, but also their motive and method of sharing it. Many times people will share the truth of the gospel and have “impure” motives which are designed to manipulate and take advantage of their hearers. We receive exhortation from Paul as we read of his manner of speaking with people concerning Jesus Christ. The gospel or “good news” of Jesus Christ should be shared without deceit, in purity and without subtlety and craftiness. May the Lord help us to learn to be pure in our manner of speaking when we share Him with others, and may they know we have no other motive than to bring them to Jesus Christ our Savior and Lord.

Next time Paul shares about “pleasing God” rather than “men”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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