1 Thess 2: 1 – 16 presents Paul’s ideological stance about his and his companions’ missionary behavior. His ideas emphasize the manner in which missionaries conduct themselves and the impact made upon the Thessalonians. He first describes their mistreatment and opposition for declaring the gospel. He then establishes his argument for why they are worthy as missionaries and presenting the gospel. He completes his argument, by explaining the impact of their actions of preaching the gospel under duress.
Since the Thessalonians are not physically present, Paul relies on their previous actions to build his case. To confirm his argument, he refers repeatedly to them with the phrase as you know. In these declarations, he compares and contrasts the behavior they exuded against what they were not like before the Thessalonians. In this comparison, he repeatedly calls the Thessalonians as witnesses to their actions. These actions ultimately “strive to please, accommodate (serve) God” versus man. The outcome of pleasing God, allows them to “give (a part of), impart, share” the gospel and their lives on the Thessalonians. As Paul imparts the gospel, he continually encourages the Thessalonians to remain faithful to the gospel. In turn, the gospel “works, be at work, operates, be effective ” upon in Thessalonians. Therefore, as Paul proves their missionary actions in proclaiming the gospel, the gospel continues to do the work to which Paul labors.
Paul demonstrates that their labor was not in vain. Despite their sufferings, they proclaim the gospel to which God has entrusted. Paul’s actions provide an example to modern Christians. Modern Christians possess the same call to proclaim the gospel in a fashion that pleases God versus man. The call goes beyond proclaiming the gospel, but for Christians to share and pour out their lives for one another. In the process of pouring out their lives, Christians impart the gospel on others. In turn, the gospel becomes operative in their lives.
