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 {G235} even {G2532} after that we had suffered before {G4310}, and {G2532} were shamefully entreated {G5195}, as {G2531} ye know {G1492}, at {G1722} Philippi {G5375}, we were bold {G3955} in {G1722} our {G2257} God {G2316} to speak {G2980} unto {G4314} you {G5209} the gospel {G2098} of God {G2316} with {G1722} much {G4183} contention {G73}.

On the contrary, although we had already suffered and been outraged in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage, united with our God, to tell you the Good News even under great pressure.

As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.

but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.

This verse, 1 Thessalonians 2:2, offers a powerful glimpse into the unwavering commitment of the Apostle Paul and his companions, Silas and Timothy, as they ministered the gospel despite immense personal suffering. It highlights the divine source of their courage and the challenging environment in which the early church flourished.

Context

Paul is writing to the Thessalonian church, defending his ministry and reminding them of his genuine motives and the character of his work among them. Before arriving in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas had a harrowing experience in Philippi, a Roman colony. This verse explicitly refers to that ordeal, which is detailed in the book of Acts. Their suffering included being beaten with rods, publicly disgraced, and imprisoned, all for proclaiming the Christian message. Yet, immediately following this, they pressed on to Thessalonica, demonstrating remarkable fortitude.

Key Themes

  • Perseverance in Ministry: Despite profound suffering and humiliation, Paul and his companions did not abandon their mission. Their commitment to sharing the gospel transcended personal hardship.
  • Divine Boldness: The verse emphasizes they were "bold in our God." Their courage was not a natural human trait but a supernatural empowerment, indicating reliance on God for strength in the face of adversity. This points to the source of true Christian courage.
  • Gospel Proclamation: The core of their mission was "to speak unto you the gospel of God." This highlights the centrality of the good news of Jesus Christ as the message they were compelled to deliver, regardless of the cost.
  • Ministry Amidst Contention: The phrase "with much contention" (or "struggle") underscores that their ministry was not easy or unopposed. It implies a significant spiritual and sometimes physical battle against forces hostile to the gospel.

Linguistic Insights

  • "shamefully entreated" (KJV): The Greek word here is hybristhentes (ὑβρισθέντες), which signifies not just abuse, but public insult, humiliation, and malicious treatment. It vividly portrays the indignity they endured in Philippi.
  • "bold": The Greek term is from parrhesia (παρρησία), meaning "freedom of speech," "frankness," or "confidence," especially in the face of danger or opposition. It describes a courageous and open proclamation of truth.
  • "contention": The original Greek word is agōni (ἀγῶνι), from which we get "agony." It literally means a struggle, conflict, or contest. This isn't just a minor disagreement but an intense, often arduous, battle or wrestling match, indicating the severe opposition they faced in sharing the gospel.

Practical Application

This verse offers powerful encouragement for believers today:

  • Courage in Adversity: It reminds us that proclaiming the gospel or living out our faith may involve opposition, but our boldness comes from God, not our own strength. We can be unashamed of the gospel.
  • Resilience in Service: God's work often requires perseverance through difficult circumstances. The example of Paul, Silas, and Timothy teaches us to press forward even when the path is challenging.
  • The Value of the Message: The willingness of these apostles to suffer so greatly for the gospel underscores its immense value and transformative power. It is a message worth contending for.
  • God's Presence in Struggle: Even amidst "much contention," God's presence enables His servants to speak His truth effectively.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 4:13

    Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus.

  • Acts 16:22

    And the multitude rose up together against them: and the magistrates rent off their clothes, and commanded to beat [them].

  • Acts 16:24

    Who, having received such a charge, thrust them into the inner prison, and made their feet fast in the stocks.

  • 2 Timothy 1:12

    For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

  • Acts 17:2

    And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures,

  • Acts 17:9

    And when they had taken security of Jason, and of the other, they let them go.

  • Hebrews 12:2

    Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

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