1 Thessalonians 2:2

2:2 But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, ¹  as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God ²  in spite of much opposition.

1 Thessalonians 2:8

2:8 with such affection for you ³  we were happy ⁴  to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

1 Thessalonians 2:17

Forced Absence from Thessalonica

2:17 But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, ⁵  for a short time (in presence, not in affection) ⁶  we became all the more fervent in our great desire ⁷  to see you in person. ⁸ 

1 Thessalonians 2:19

2:19 For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of ⁹  before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you?

1 Thessalonians 4:6

4:6 In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, ¹⁰  because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, ¹¹  as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly.

¹ map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1.

² tn The genitive in the phrase τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ θεοῦ (to euangelion tou qeou, “the gospel of God”) could be translated as either a subjective genitive (“the gospel which God brings”) or an objective genitive (“the gospel about God”). Either is grammatically possible. This is possibly an instance of a plenary genitive (see ExSyn 119-21; M. Zerwick, Biblical Greek, §§36-39). If so, an interplay between the two concepts is intended: The gospel which God brings is in fact the gospel about himself. This same phrase occurs in vv. 8 and 9 as well.

³ tn Grk “longing for you in this way.”

⁴ tn Or “we are happy.” This verb may be past or present tense, but the context favors the past.

⁵ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

⁶ tn Grk “in face, not in heart.”

⁷ tn Grk “with great desire.”

⁸ tn Grk “to see your face.”

⁷ sn Crown to boast of (Grk “crown of boasting”). Paul uses boasting or exultation to describe the Christian’s delight in being commended for faithful service by the Lord at his return (1 Cor 9:15-16; 2 Cor 1:12-14; 10:13-18; Phil 2:16; and 1 Cor 3:14; 4:5).

⁹ tn Grk “not to transgress against or defraud his brother in the matter,” continuing the sentence of vv. 3-5.

¹⁰ tn Grk “concerning all these things.”