1 Thessalonians 2 2

1 Thessalonians 2:2 kjv

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 nkjv

But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 niv

We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 esv

But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

1 Thessalonians 2:2 nlt

You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.

1 Thessalonians 2 verses

1 Thessalonians 2 2 Meaning

Despite having previously endured severe suffering and public humiliation, as the Thessalonians well knew, in Philippi, we gathered courage, enabled by our God, to proclaim to you the gospel of God even amidst the significant opposition we faced here in Thessalonica.

1 Thessalonians 2 2 Context

First Thessalonians 2:2 stands as a crucial statement within Paul's defense and explanation of his conduct and motivations during his initial ministry in Thessalonica. Following his assertion in verse 1 that their coming to Thessalonica was "not in vain," this verse immediately addresses the deep challenges he faced. It highlights that his subsequent boldness was not born out of human strength or a comfortable environment, but came after enduring profound hardship in Philippi and amidst continued struggle in Thessalonica.

Historically, the incident in Philippi (recorded in Acts 16) was deeply humiliating for Paul and Silas, as they were illegally flogged and publicly imprisoned despite being Roman citizens. This recent and traumatic experience would naturally cause anyone to reconsider future public ministry, especially in another major city like Thessalonica, known for its political activity and diverse population. However, Paul and his companions pressed on, demonstrating their authentic and divinely-empowered commitment to the Gospel in the face of suspicion, political pressure, and potential physical danger in Thessalonica itself, as described in Acts 17 where their preaching caused a riot. This verse is vital to Paul establishing his integrity and proving that his message was truly from God and not a means for personal gain or glory.

1 Thessalonians 2 2 Word analysis

• but even after: The Greek "ἀλλὰ καί" (alla kai) indicates a strong contrast and concession. It emphasizes that despite the severity of their previous suffering, they proceeded to minister. It marks a defiant continuity of ministry despite adversity.
• we had suffered before: Greek "προπαθόντες" (propthontes). This points to suffering that occurred prior to their arrival in Thessalonica, specifically the events in Philippi. It underscores that their readiness to preach was not due to an easy journey or lack of trials, but in the immediate aftermath of severe physical and public abuse.
• and been shamefully treated: Greek "ὑβρισθέντες" (hybristhēntes). Derived from "hybrizō," meaning "to insult, outrage, treat with contempt or violence." This goes beyond simple insult to describe a severe, public, and deliberate act of dishonor, often involving violence and a lack of respect for human dignity or legal rights, as in the illegal flogging and imprisonment of Paul and Silas in Philippi. It conveyed deep public humiliation.
• as you know: Greek "καθὼς οἴδατε" (kathōs oidate). This phrase serves as an appeal to common knowledge or a previously shared account. It validates the truth of Paul's statement and suggests the Philippi incident was either widely known or had been recounted by Paul to the Thessalonians. This confirms the genuineness of his hardship and removes any hint of exaggeration.
• at Philippi: Explicitly names the location, grounding the suffering in a specific, verifiable historical event detailed in Acts 16. This provides factual weight to Paul's experience.
• we were bold: Greek "ἐπαρρησιασάμεθα" (eparrēsiasametha). From "parrēsiazomai," meaning "to speak freely, frankly, courageously, publicly." The "epi-" prefix intensifies the boldness, implying a gaining or manifestation of boldness, often against the odds. It denotes not a reckless courage, but a Spirit-empowered confidence to speak divine truth, regardless of risk.
• in our God: Greek "ἐν τῷ Θεῷ ἡμῶν" (en tō Theō hēmōn). This phrase is central, indicating the source and foundation of their boldness. Their courage was not inherent to them as individuals or derived from self-confidence, but from their reliance on and union with God. It emphasizes divine enablement for human frailty in hostile circumstances.
• to speak to you: The purpose and direction of their divinely-enabled boldness—to communicate God's message to the Thessalonians specifically. Their suffering did not lead to silence or withdrawal.
• the gospel of God: Greek "τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ" (to euangelion tou Theou). The specific content of their message, emphasizing its divine origin and authority. It is God's good news, not a human invention, lending it ultimate credibility and urgency.
• amid much opposition: Greek "ἐν πολλῷ ἀγῶνι" (en pollō agōni). The "agon" signifies a "struggle," "contest," or "conflict." This wasn't merely difficulty; it implies an intense, hard-fought battle, akin to an athletic contest. It suggests significant resistance, external pressure, and perhaps even internal spiritual warfare, making their continued proclamation remarkable. It underscores the active and hostile forces opposing the spread of God's truth.

1 Thessalonians 2 2 Bonus section

• The stark contrast between shamefully treated and bold in our God is central. Human degradation meets divine enablement, transforming fear into fearlessness.
• Paul often references his suffering (e.g., 2 Cor 11:23-33; Gal 6:17) as proof of his authentic apostleship, validating his ministry methods and the message itself against accusations or doubts. His wounds were credentials.
• The "agon" suggests not only external opposition but potentially also the intense spiritual and personal struggle Paul experienced in choosing to continue his mission after such trauma.
• This verse provides an example of how suffering can precede and enable a more effective and God-dependent ministry, rather than simply halting it. The previous trial served to strengthen their reliance on God.

1 Thessalonians 2 2 Commentary

First Thessalonians 2:2 presents a profound truth about authentic ministry: it is characterized by Spirit-empowered perseverance in the face of adversity. Paul contrasts his vulnerable human experience with divine empowerment. Despite being flogged and publicly disgraced in Philippi—an event that would typically deter further public outreach—Paul and his companions arrived in Thessalonica with renewed, God-given courage. Their boldness (parrhesia), a hallmark of true apostolic preaching, was not born of their own strength or fearlessness but explicitly rooted "in our God." This demonstrates that the source of their steadfastness was external, highlighting their dependence on God rather than their personal charisma or human resilience.

Furthermore, they proclaimed the "gospel of God" not under ideal conditions but "amid much opposition" (agōn), implying an arduous spiritual battle and resistance. This reality underscores the integrity of their message and motives, showing they were not seeking personal comfort or material gain but were deeply committed to God's mission, even at great personal cost. This unwavering commitment, evidenced by enduring suffering for the sake of the message, serves to validate their character and ministry to the Thessalonians, building a foundation of trust for his ongoing instruction. It’s a powerful illustration of divine power working through human weakness for God's glory.