In this section of Paul's letter to the Thessalonians, Paul defends himself against the criticism that he, and the members of his mission team, are nothing more than "in-it-for-the-money" teachers. The implication is that there is no truth to Paul's teachings, rather he is more into marketing than teaching.

v1. In the opening four verses, Paul calls on his readers to remember the mission that was recently held in their town. It was certainly not a "failure" - hollow, empty and wanting in purpose.

v2. Even before Paul and his team reached Thessalonica they faced persecution and now the situation is no better. If the mission had existed for financial gain or the like, then Paul and his associates would have given it away as a bad joke long ago, but they stuck to their task and in God's power the gospel has been presented.

v3. It cannot be claimed that the preaching of the missionaries was in error, or for immoral purposes, nor just a cunning marketing ploy to get money.

v4. The teaching was certainly not in error, as the missionaries presented a message entrusted to them by God. It was certainly not for immoral purposes, because both the mission and the message was approved by God. It was certainly not a marketing ploy, a trick, for it aimed to please God, not the people. God sees all things, for nothing in the inner life of a person is hidden from him, so if the mission was performed for other than the best of reasons, the Lord would know.

v5-6. In these two verses Paul goes on to ask his readers to confirm the non-existence of three more criticisms. First, Paul asks his readers to confirm that the mission was not designed to flatter. It was not designed to peddle human emotions, using words and methods to gain predetermined selfish ends. Second, the mission was not a mask, was not a front. It was not designed to promote self-interest behind an acceptable front. Third, neither was the mission just a means for the self aggrandizement of the missionaries themselves.

v7-9. Paul now deals with the specific criticism that the mission was but a money-making enterprise. Although he and the rest of the team had every right to expect the new Christians to support their work (cf. 2Thess.3:8, 2Cor.11:9, 12:16), he had none-the-less taken a gentle line with them, caring for their needs rather than expecting them to care for his needs. Because of the great affection he felt toward the new Christians in Thessalonica, Paul not only shared the gospel with them, but he shared his whole person. The missionaries shared themselves. This was evidenced by the fact that they worked at their trades (Paul was a tent maker) while on mission so that the church would not have to carry the financial burden of their upkeep.

v10. In these final verses, Paul calls on his readers to recognize the positive features of the mission. It could only be said that the missionaries were upright in conduct - holy, righteous and blameless.

v11. The missioners had acted in a caring way toward the new church.

v12. The missioners were into "encouraging" (directing), "comforting" (giving cheer and inspiration) and "urging" (stirring the Thessalonians up to good works). All this was directed toward one end, that the members of this new church might live lives worthy of the Lord, worthy of the one who bids them forward toward the splendor of His kingdom.

In verses 11 and 12 of our passage for study, Paul uses three words to illustrate a gospel ministry within a Christian fellowship. The words sum up Paul's ministry in the Thessalonian church and they serve as a useful guide to a ministry that seeks to shape "lives worthy of God", worthy of the God who calls us into his kingdom and glory.

i] Encouragement, in the sense of directing, showing the way. Christian ministry, whether by an ordained person, full-time professional, or an unpaid member of the congregation, involves being a signpost both by the things we say and by the things we do. Discipleship is a difficult business and therefore, we need a clear understanding of the Lord's mind when it comes to the matters of life.

ii] Comfort, in the sense of consoling, giving words of cheer and inspiration in the face of trouble. Discipleship is no easy business, the way is rough and rock-strewn and so we will always need a helping hand. Again, Christian ministry involves consoling the downhearted, and we all get down at some time or other.

iii] Urging, in the sense of giving strong words to slackers. Each of us, from time to time, fall back in our dedication to cross-bearing discipleship. We sit down on the side of the narrow way, or we even head off on the broad way that leads to destruction. It is when we drift that we need a strong word from those who minister to us. We don't need condemnation or a turned back, rather we need to be stirred up to be what we are.

1. What do you think has prompted Paul to write these words?

2. List the implied criticisms against Paul's missionary effort.

3. In v12 Paul gives three words to outline his ministry of encouragement in Thessalonica. Discuss the meaning of the three words.

4. What factors seem to hinder our meager attempts to encourage each other in the Christian life?