Paul spends a great deal of time reminiscing about his ministry in I Thessalonians 2. He recalls the time when he first came to Thessalonica after being expelled from Philippi. He reminds the Thessalonians of how he conducted himself among them, for he was always proclaiming the gospel to them - even when he was not preaching.
"Like a nurse tenderly caring for her own children"..."we worked night and day"..."like a father with his children"...these are pictures of Paul's ministry. He wants the Thessalonians to realize that he did not use the rights he could have, nor did he take advantage of his position as an apostle for greed or glory.
Why is this important? Is Paul bragging about himself? No, rather, his impeccable conduct is a testimony to the authenticity and integrity of his gospel message. He wants them to be persuaded of the grace and truth of the gospel because his preaching came from pure motives.
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