1 Thessalonians 2:5-7a Part 2 of 2

You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed--God is our witness. 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. Instead we were like young children among you.

 

We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else

John 5:41-44  "I do not accept glory from human beings, but I know you. I know that you do not have the love of God in your hearts. I have come in my Father's name, and you do not accept me; but if someone else comes in his own name, you will accept him. How can you believe since you accept glory from one another but do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?"

 

even though as apostles of Christ 

1 Corinthians 9:1-2  Am I not free? Am I not an apostle? Have I not seen Jesus our Lord? Are you not the result of my work in the Lord? even though I may not be an apostle to others, surely I am to you! For you are the seal of my apostleship in the Lord. 

 

we could have asserted our authority 

2 Corinthians 11:7-8  Was it a sin for me to lower myself in order to elevate you by preaching the gospel of God to you free of charge? I robbed other churches by receiving support from them so as to serve you. 

1 Corinthians 9:18  What then is my reward? Just this: that in preaching the gospel I may offer it free of charge, and so not make full use of my rights as a preacher of the gospel.

1 Thessalonians 2:9  Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

 

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®,  Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Limited to 15 verses per post.