1 Thessalonians 2

1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto [traveling to] you, that it was not in vain: [emptiness]

2 But even after that we had suffered before, [violently abused] and were shamefully entreated, [treat spitefully] as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention. {conflict, contention, fight}

Several obstacles to salvation existed in the minds of First Century Hebrews, due to the Scribes and Pharisees, they required humanity to observe several practices and obligations, to include sacrifices, in order to claim salvation. The Gospel that Paul and the followers of Yeshua are preaching to the people stands in the face of the “religious” leaders and diminishes their power and authority over the people. We see this exchange with Yeshua and the Pharisees.

Mark 7:1-9 “Then came together unto him the Pharisees, and certain of the scribes, which came from Jerusalem. And when they saw some of his disciples eat bread with defiled, that is to say, with unwashen, hands, they found fault. For the Pharisees, and all the Jews, except they wash their hands oft, eat not, holding the tradition of the elders. And when they come from the market, except they wash, they eat not. And many other things there be, which they have received to hold, as the washing of cups, and pots, brasen vessels, and of tables. Then the Pharisees and scribes asked him, Why walk not thy disciples according to the tradition of the elders, but eat bread with unwashen hands? He answered and said unto them, Well hath Esaias prophesied of you hypocrites, as it is written, This people honoureth me with their lips, but their heart is far from me. Howbeit in vain do they worship me, teaching for doctrines the commandments of men. For laying aside the commandment of God, ye hold the tradition of men, as the washing of pots and cups: and many other such like things ye do. And he said unto them, Full well ye reject the commandment of God, that ye may keep your own tradition.”

3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

Today we see TV and Internet “preachers” displaying outlandish and blasphemous behavior including the sales of “holy water”, promises of prosperity and such; the very same existed in the first century. Nicolas of Alexandria, Marcion and many more offered up their “snake oil” salvation. A guilt free mental ascension to live, laugh, love your way to heaven free of the “Jewish law”.

4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

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

One of the most hideous programs ever was the inclusion of the “positive thinking” platform. This was a mixing of New Age Philosophy and Self Help Psychology with the antinomian culture. The people thought they were projecting the gospel with their plastic smiles and earthly self centeredness. “I can do all things” became a mantra for self fulfillment and not the encouragement to live according to the Torah that it actually means.

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

7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

This is, in my understanding of Scripture, a reference to the discussion in Acts 15 where the converts from paganism are to be taught depth teshuva, or repentance and the turning away from their paganism. The modern church teaches people to stop what they call sin [not according to the Torah, just human traditions] and to start attending church, reading the Bible and praying. What they fail to see in Act 15 is this is the very same concept but it is actually a repentance from the world and their practices to a practice of the Torah, which, they can learn in the synagogue.

8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us. [Personal testimonies of their own interaction with Yeshua]

9 For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

10 Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: [Content of their character]

11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

12 That ye would walk¹ worthy² of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

1. G4043 περιπατέω peripateo (pe-riy-pa-te’-ō) v. to live, deport oneself, follow.
2. G516 ἀξίως axios (a-xiy’-ōs) adv. appropriately, as becometh after a godly sort.

What would we be following?

Obviously it should be Christ and the fact that He lived life according to Torah!

13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

Paul is saying that he can see their action and the depth of their character.

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

Just because Paul came to his senses and stopped persecuting the early believers doesnt mean that the other Pharisees gave up. The Pharisees spewed their hatred and the Romans and Greek picked up that hatred as well. Todays believers are in the very same place, hated, by both belief systems Judaism and Chruchianity. This stands in opposition of the Scriptures.

• Exodus 12:49 “One law shall be to him that is homeborn, and unto the stranger that sojourneth among you.”
• Leviticus 24:22 “Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God.”
• Revelation 12:17 “And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.”
• Revelation 14:12 “Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.”

15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

20 For ye are our glory and joy.

• James 5:20 “Let him know, that he which converteth the sinner from the error of his way shall save a soul from death, and shall hide a multitude of sins.”
• 1 Peter 4:8 “And above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.”

It is, or should be, incumbent upon us to deliver the unaltered truth of the Word of God without concern of the opinion of others. This is a Salvation free of prerequisites but there is a process for Sanctification which is the working out of our Salvation. This is the One Law that is “our schoolmaster until Christ is come”.