1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, ¹  about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless. ²  2:2 But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, ³  as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God ⁴  in spite of much opposition.

[2:1]  ¹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

[2:1]  ² tn Grk “has not become empty.” Paul is defending himself against the charge that he lacked earnestness and personal concern for them, but appeared in their city out of greed or egotism. In his defense he appeals to what they recall of his ministry and what has become of it since he left, all of which demonstrates his God-given earnestness and effectiveness.

[2:2]  ³ map For location see JP1 C1; JP2 C1; JP3 C1; JP4 C1.

[2:2]  ⁴ 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.