For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
The verse declares that Paul and his fellow workers never at any time used flattering speech in their work among the Thessalonians, nor did they use a cloak or pretense to hide covetousness and greed, with God as witness to the truth, sincerity and integrity of their conduct. Faithful gospel ministry rejects praise used to win favor and every disguise for desire for personal gain, and God Himself could testify to that sincerity. Those put in trust with the gospel speak not as pleasing men but God, who tries and examines the hearts, and therefore use no flattering words at any time.
That refusal meant their preaching was not a deceptive means to win converts or gain advantage for themselves. It was not aimed at pleasing people, winning favor, securing honor, or promoting themselves, but at pleasing God who examines the heart, at serving God, and at preaching Christ. As ones entrusted with the gospel they spoke to please God who tries the hearts rather than men.
God's messengers must still never flatter anyone, not even a favorite, and must conceal no covetous motive, speaking to please God who tests the heart. They do not go with smooth, flattering words but always bear a plain testimony, not even toward a best friend. Flattery endangers the soul, and even one as meek as the beloved disciple deals plainly and does not flatter.
The verse belongs to a fuller portrait of true gospel labor in which entrance among the hearers is not in vain but bold in God to speak the gospel with much contention even after suffering and shameful mistreatment at Philippi. In that portrait exhortation is free from deceit, uncleanness and guile, spoken as by one put in trust with the gospel not as pleasing men but God who tries the hearts, at no time using flattering words nor a cloak of covetousness with God as witness. It seeks no glory from men when one might have claimed authority and been burdensome as an apostle of Christ, but is gentle as a nursing mother cherishing her children. This requires the minister to learn from the Master and be filled with His Spirit and clothed with Christ's righteousness, to build with solid timbers, and to do more than merely preach by thoroughly completing and securing his work even if he accomplishes less public preaching.
The verse declares that Paul and his fellow workers never at any time used flattering speech in their work among the Thessalonians, nor did they use a cloak or pretense to hide covetousness and greed, with God as witness to the truth, sincerity and integrity of their conduct. Faithful gospel ministry rejects praise used to win favor and every disguise for desire for personal gain, and God Himself could testify to that sincerity. Those put in trust with the gospel speak not as pleasing men but God, who tries and examines the hearts, and therefore use no flattering words at any time.
That refusal meant their preaching was not a deceptive means to win converts or gain advantage for themselves. It was not aimed at pleasing people, winning favor, securing honor, or promoting themselves, but at pleasing God who examines the heart, at serving God, and at preaching Christ. As ones entrusted with the gospel they spoke to please God who tries the hearts rather than men.
God's messengers must still never flatter anyone, not even a favorite, and must conceal no covetous motive, speaking to please God who tests the heart. They do not go with smooth, flattering words but always bear a plain testimony, not even toward a best friend. Flattery endangers the soul, and even one as meek as the beloved disciple deals plainly and does not flatter.
The verse belongs to a fuller portrait of true gospel labor in which entrance among the hearers is not in vain but bold in God to speak the gospel with much contention even after suffering and shameful mistreatment at Philippi. In that portrait exhortation is free from deceit, uncleanness and guile, spoken as by one put in trust with the gospel not as pleasing men but God who tries the hearts, at no time using flattering words nor a cloak of covetousness with God as witness. It seeks no glory from men when one might have claimed authority and been burdensome as an apostle of Christ, but is gentle as a nursing mother cherishing her children. This requires the minister to learn from the Master and be filled with His Spirit and clothed with Christ's righteousness, to build with solid timbers, and to do more than merely preach by thoroughly completing and securing his work even if he accomplishes less public preaching.