1 Thessalonians 2 6

1 Thessalonians 2:6 kjv

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 nkjv

Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 niv

We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 esv

Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:6 nlt

As for human praise, we have never sought it from you or anyone else.

1 Thessalonians 2 verses

1 Thessalonians 2 6 Meaning

First Thessalonians 2:6 conveys that the Apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, purposefully refrained from seeking human praise, honor, or financial support from the Thessalonian believers or anyone else. This was despite their inherent right as direct envoys, or apostles, of Christ to command respect and receive sustenance, a right they chose to forego for the sake of the Gospel and to serve the church genuinely, without being a burden.

1 Thessalonians 2 6 Context

First Thessalonians Chapter 2 shifts from Paul's prayer and thanksgiving (Chapter 1) to a defense and explanation of his ministry conduct in Thessalonica. He recounts his initial courage despite previous suffering in Philippi (v. 1-2) and emphatically denies any ulterior motives such as error, impurity, deceit (v. 3), pleasing men, flattery, or greed (v. 4-5). This self-vindication was likely aimed at refuting slanders by opponents or clarifying misconceptions. Verse 6 directly continues this theme by addressing his financial conduct and the seeking of honor, further distinguishing his ministry from the common practices of travelling sophists and philosophers who often sought personal gain and prestige. The larger context of the letter reassures a young church facing persecution and gives ethical instruction.

1 Thessalonians 2 6 Word analysis

• Nor did we seek (οὔτε ζητοῦντες - oute zētountes): The Greek verb zēteō (seek) implies a deliberate, active pursuit. The negative particle oute emphatically denies any such intent or action. This was not an accidental outcome but a conscious decision. Paul states they did not "search for," "demand," or "aim for" glory. This contrasts sharply with the contemporary practices of philosophers and orators who often charged fees and courted public adulation.
• glory (δόξαν - doxan): Doxa primarily means opinion, judgment, estimation, but also conveys renown, honor, praise, or splendor. Here, it signifies the public applause, commendation, or reputation that people typically desire. Paul emphasizes he did not pursue glory "from men," distinguishing it from the "glory of God" which is a righteous aspiration (cf. Jn 12:43).
• from men (ἐξ ἀνθρώπων - ex anthrōpōn): This prepositional phrase indicates the source of the glory. It highlights that the commendation or praise sought would originate from human beings, not from divine approval. Paul consistently prioritizes pleasing God over pleasing people.
• neither from you, nor from others: This specific phrase expands the scope. It means their abstention from seeking glory was not limited to the Thessalonians due to a special relationship, but was a general principle of their ministry. They neither expected nor accepted praise from those they ministered to, nor from outside supporters or general public opinion. It reflects a universal and consistent ministry ethic.
• though we could have made demands (δυνάμενοι ἐν βάρει εἶναι - dynamenoi en barei einai): Literally translated as "being able to be a burden" or "to be weighty." Barei (βάρος - baros) means weight, burden, or heaviness, often used in a financial sense, signifying a costly imposition or obligation. This phrase expresses their legitimate right to exact financial support, or perhaps, to impose their apostolic authority. The phrase "make demands" succinctly captures this meaning of having a right to impose a financial or authoritative "weight" upon others.
• as apostles (ὡς ἀπόστολοι - hōs apostoloi): The term apostolos (ἀπόστολος) literally means "one sent out," particularly with a specific commission or message. In the New Testament, it denotes those divinely appointed messengers of Christ with foundational authority, specifically to preach the Gospel and establish the church. This status gave them inherent rights, including the right to financial support (as seen in 1 Cor 9). Paul's emphasis here is on the source of their authority – it is from "Christ" – making their right to sustenance legitimate. They possessed this right inherently by virtue of their office, yet chose not to exercise it for selfless reasons.
• of Christ (Χριστοῦ - Christou): Specifies the source and nature of their apostleship. They were not merely self-appointed or sent by men, but directly appointed and authorized by Jesus the Messiah. This further solidifies their inherent right and legitimate authority, underscoring the gravity of their choice to not "be a burden" or seek human glory.

1 Thessalonians 2 6 Bonus section

Paul's conduct in 1 Thessalonians 2:6 (and indeed throughout the passage) subtly yet significantly provides a powerful apologetic against potential accusations. In the Greco-Roman world, traveling teachers (like sophists and philosophers) were common, many of whom were indeed driven by financial gain or desire for public acclaim. Paul's emphatic denials of seeking "glory from men," flattery, or being a "pretext for greed" (vv. 5-6) would have directly countered such assumptions or specific slanders against his ministry. His willingness to work with his own hands (implied in not being a "burden" and explicit elsewhere, e.g., 1 Thess 2:9) underscored the sincerity and authenticity of his proclamation, setting him apart from those who might "peddle the word of God for profit" (2 Cor 2:17). This served to build trust and validate the authenticity of the Gospel message itself, rather than allowing their personal conduct to be a stumbling block.

1 Thessalonians 2 6 Commentary

In 1 Thessalonians 2:6, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy unequivocally affirm their intentional choice not to seek honor or financial imposition from the Thessalonian believers. This statement serves as a powerful testament to the purity of their ministerial motives, contrasting their approach with prevalent customs where public figures, including itinerant philosophers and teachers, often sought fame and financial remuneration. By emphasizing that they could have made such demands "as apostles of Christ," Paul highlights the inherent, divinely granted authority and right to sustenance that came with their commission. However, their decision to forgo these entitlements was a deliberate act of self-sacrificing love, rooted in their desire to model Christ-like service and prevent any perception of greed or self-interest from hindering the Gospel. Their ministry was thus demonstrated to be for the glory of God and the benefit of the church, not for personal aggrandizement or material gain, setting a timeless example for genuine Christian leadership.