1 Thessalonians 2:1

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, ¹  about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless. ² 

1 Thessalonians 4:8

4:8 Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority ³  but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

1 Thessalonians 5:4

5:4 But you, brothers and sisters, ⁴  are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.

1 Thessalonians 5:9

5:9 For God did not destine us for wrath ⁵  but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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¹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

² tn Grk “has not become empty.” Paul is defending himself against the charge that he lacked earnestness and personal concern for them, but appeared in their city out of greed or egotism. In his defense he appeals to what they recall of his ministry and what has become of it since he left, all of which demonstrates his God-given earnestness and effectiveness.

³ tn Grk “rejecting man.”

⁴ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

⁵ sn God did not destine us for wrath. In context this refers to the outpouring of God’s wrath on the earth in the day of the Lord (1 Thess 5:2-4).