1 Thessalonians 2 5

1 Thessalonians 2:5 kjv

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

1 Thessalonians 2:5 nkjv

For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness? God is witness.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 niv

You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed?God is our witness.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 esv

For we never came with words of flattery, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed ? God is witness.

1 Thessalonians 2:5 nlt

Never once did we try to win you with flattery, as you well know. And God is our witness that we were not pretending to be your friends just to get your money!

1 Thessalonians 2 verses

1 Thessalonians 2 5 Meaning

First Thessalonians 2:5 declares that the Apostle Paul and his companions did not engage in deceptive or manipulative speech (flattery) and were not motivated by covetousness or financial gain in their proclamation of the Gospel. It underscores the purity of their motives, with God Himself as their witness and ultimate authenticator. This verse distinguishes their sincere ministry from those who exploit religious platforms for selfish purposes.

1 Thessalonians 2 5 Context

First Thessalonians chapter 2 continues Paul's defense of his ministry and an explanation of his conduct during his initial evangelistic efforts in Thessalonica. Verses 1-4 establish the sincerity, boldness, and purity of their message and motives, highlighting that their mission was not based on error, impurity, or deceit, but on God's approval to be entrusted with the Gospel. Verse 5 flows directly from this, providing specific examples of what their ministry was not—namely, free from manipulative rhetoric and material gain.

Historically and culturally, the first century saw numerous traveling sophists, philosophers, and rhetoricians who earned their living through eloquent speeches, often using flattery to curry favor or elicit payment. Some mystery religions or cults also engaged in practices designed to extract money from adherents. Paul is subtly but directly distinguishing the Christian apostles' method and purpose from these prevailing practices, asserting that their motive was divine commission, not personal profit or human approval. Their behavior in Thessalonica provided tangible evidence of their character.

1 Thessalonians 2 5 Word analysis

• For (γάρ - gar): A connective particle, meaning "for" or "because." It introduces an explanation or elaboration of the preceding statement (1 Thess 2:3-4), further supporting Paul's claim of a pure ministry.
• you know (οἴδατε - oidate): The perfect tense verb implies established, experiential knowledge. It is a direct appeal to the Thessalonians' personal observation and experience of Paul's conduct among them, underscoring the transparency of his ministry.
• we never (οὔτε πώποτε - oute pōpote): A strong double negation ("neither... at any time") emphasizing the absolute absence of these practices from their ministry. It highlights a consistent and unwavering character.
• used (ἐγενήθη - egenēthē): A form of ginomai, meaning "to become" or "to be." Here, it signifies that their conduct or method never became or involved these negative attributes.
• flattering speech (λόγῳ κολακείας - logō kolakeias):
  • λόγῳ (logō): "Word," "speech," "account." Refers to the manner or content of communication.
  • κολακείας (kolakeias): "Flattery," "obsequiousness," "adulation." This term denotes insincere, manipulative words aimed at pleasing people to gain something for oneself. It stands in contrast to sincere persuasion motivated by love. This was a common tactic among sophists who sought to gain adherents or money.
• as you know (καθὼς οἴδατε - kathōs oidate): A reiteration of "you know," further strengthening the appeal to the Thessalonians' direct testimony and validating the truth of Paul's statement through their shared experience. This repetition acts as a rhetorical device to underline the clear and observable nature of their conduct.
• nor (οὔτε - oute): Continues the series of negated elements, joining the second point of negation.
• a pretext (προφάσει - prophasei): "Pretext," "excuse," "outward appearance used to conceal a hidden motive." This implies a veiled agenda, an outward presentation that masks ulterior motives. It denotes dishonesty and hidden intentions.
• for greed (πλεονεξίας - pleonexias): "Greed," "covetousness," "an insatiable desire for more." This is often condemned in the New Testament (e.g., Eph 5:5, Col 3:5) as a form of idolatry, setting earthly gain above God. Here, it refers specifically to financial or material gain as a primary motivator for ministry, which Paul emphatically denies.
• God is witness (θεὸς μάρτυς - theos martys):
  • θεὸς (theos): "God."
  • μάρτυς (martys): "Witness." This is a solemn appeal to God's omniscience, effectively calling upon God to corroborate the truth of Paul's claims. It is the highest possible form of affirmation, indicating that Paul's integrity is not merely subject to human perception but stands transparent before God. This appeal underlines the absolute certainty and spiritual accountability of their ministry.

1 Thessalonians 2 5 Bonus section

The structure of "we never... nor" with the repeated "as you know" points to the fact that the Thessalonians were direct witnesses to Paul's pure conduct. This emphasizes the tangible, observable quality of genuine ministry, making it defensible not just theoretically but empirically by those who experienced it. Paul wasn't just claiming to be free from these motives; his life among them demonstrated it. This stands in stark contrast to charlatans whose true motives are eventually revealed. Paul’s appeal to God's direct witness highlights the divine authentication of his character and mission, suggesting a direct, personal accountability to God for his every action and motive.

1 Thessalonians 2 5 Commentary

First Thessalonians 2:5 provides a crucial window into the integrity of true apostolic ministry, serving as a powerful counter-example to manipulative and self-serving religious practices. Paul vehemently denies using flattery, which is inherently insincere and aims to curry favor rather than communicate truth. His commitment was to God's truth, not human popularity. This rejection of flattering speech speaks volumes about his conviction that the Gospel stands on its own power, not on rhetorical manipulation.

Furthermore, his explicit denial of a "pretext for greed" confronts a significant temptation for anyone in ministry—to use a spiritual calling for financial gain. The concept of "pretext" suggests a facade, a seemingly good reason covering an avaricious motive. Paul's appeal to God as a witness underscores the depth of his transparency and the sincerity of his heart. It sets an extremely high standard for Christian ministers, where motives must be pure and subject to divine scrutiny, ensuring that the proclamation of Christ is not undermined by carnal ambitions. The absence of these vices—flattery and greed—affirms the purity of the apostles' motives and establishes them as authentic servants of God, truly seeking the spiritual welfare of their hearers above their own.