1 Thessalonians 2:2
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. 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.
Paul with Silas and his fellow workers, after having suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, was bold to speak God's gospel in Thessalonica amid much contention, opposition, abuse, discouragement, and strong opposition. The account is of work among the Thessalonians carried forward despite what had been endured before, with bold preaching maintained in the face of contention. Their missionary work continued through hardship, for their hardships did not turn them from their work.
Their boldness and courage to speak amid opposition came from God, was given by God, and was exercised in God. Entrusted with the gospel by God, they spoke to please God, who tests the heart and tests hearts, rather than to please people or to win them by flattery and deceit. Their work was grounded in that trust, with the aim set on pleasing God rather than men.
They arrived bearing visible evidence in their appearance of what they had suffered at Philippi, which they explained without boasting, without exalting themselves, and without making themselves the focus. They gave glory to God for their deliverance, magnified His grace in delivering them, and credited their deliverance to God's grace rather than to themselves. They did not dwell on their afflictions because they were burdened with Christ's message, earnest in their work, and intent on proclaiming the gospel. Along with bold preaching, his labor included correcting and warning his converts faithfully like a father, while caring for them tenderly like a mother.
Bold speaking under opposition with patient endurance of trial is the experience required of one who would be Christlike at home and abroad, in health and in sickness, amid the world and in the sanctuary, and who would be saved in the kingdom of God. Making this the experience gives a hope that makes not ashamed. When the heavenly record bears testimony to fidelity and Christ comes to give to every man according as his work has been, every trial so patiently endured will receive a reward. The verse guides the kind of labor required in God's work: learning of Christ and clothed with Christ's righteousness, bringing solid timbers into the structure, and doing good, thorough work that binds off and finishes what is begun. The Lord requires more than merely ministering as an acceptable speaker; the worker in His vineyard must labor thoroughly even if he accomplishes far less in preaching.