1 Thessalonians 2:6

KJV

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [yet] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

KJV (with Strong's)

Nor {G3777} of {G1537} men {G444} sought {G2212} we glory {G1391}, neither {G3777} of {G575} you {G5216}, nor {G3777} yet of {G575} others {G243}, when we might {G1410} have been {G1511} burdensome {G1722}{G922}, as {G5613} the apostles {G652} of Christ {G5547}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Nor did we seek human praise — either from you or from others.

Berean Standard Bible

Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.

American Standard Version

nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 2:6, the Apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timothy, powerfully articulates the pure and selfless nature of their ministry among the Thessalonians. He asserts that they did not seek human praise, honor, or recognition from anyone—neither from the believers in Thessalonica nor from any other group. This declaration is underscored by their deliberate choice not to exercise their legitimate right as "apostles of Christ" to receive financial support, thereby avoiding any perception of being a burden or having mercenary motives.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is part of Paul's defense and explanation of his ministry in Thessalonica, following his earlier suffering and mistreatment in Philippi, as mentioned in [1 Thessalonians 2:2](/1_thessalonians/2-2 "Paul's Suffering in Philippi"). The entire second chapter serves to affirm the integrity, sincerity, and genuine motives of Paul and his companions against potential accusations or misunderstandings. Paul contrasts their transparent and loving conduct with the deceptive practices of false teachers, establishing the authenticity of their apostolic message and method. The preceding verses emphasize their boldness in preaching the Gospel despite opposition and their commitment to pleasing God rather than men ([1 Thessalonians 2:3-5](/1_thessalonians/2-3-5 "Paul's Sincerity and God-Pleasing Ministry")). Verse 6 specifically addresses the issue of seeking personal gain or glory, a common charge leveled against itinerant teachers in the ancient world.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the Greco-Roman world, it was common for philosophers, rhetoricians, and religious teachers to travel and charge fees for their instruction or to seek patronage and honor from their followers. Such individuals often competed for influence and prestige, and their motives were frequently suspect, driven by financial gain or social status. Against this backdrop, Paul's ministry stood in stark contrast. Thessalonica itself was a significant Roman colony, a bustling port city with diverse populations and various religious cults, making the integrity of the Christian message and its messengers particularly crucial. Paul's refusal to accept financial support, despite having the right to it, was a radical departure from prevailing norms and served as a powerful testament to the purity of his intentions and the divine origin of the Gospel he proclaimed.
* **Key Themes:** This verse significantly contributes to several key themes prevalent in 1 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. It highlights **Selfless Ministry**, emphasizing that true service for Christ is not motivated by personal ambition or human applause, but by a desire to honor God and serve His people. It also underscores the **Integrity of the Gospel Message**, demonstrating that the message of salvation is freely given and not a commodity to be exploited for profit or prestige. Furthermore, Paul's conduct exemplifies **Authentic Apostolic Authority**, proving his divine commission not through outward displays of power or demands for support, but through humble, sacrificial service that mirrors the very nature of Christ. This commitment to pleasing God rather than men is a recurring Pauline theme, as seen in [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Paul's Aim: To Please God"). The principle of ministers having the right to support but choosing to forgo it for the sake of the Gospel is also elaborated in passages like [1 Corinthians 9](/1_corinthians/9 "Paul's Defense of Apostolic Rights").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **sought (Greek, _zētéō_):** This verb signifies "to seek," "to desire," or "to inquire for." In this context, it carries the nuance of actively pursuing or striving for something. Paul emphatically states that he and his companions did not "seek" (pursue, strive for, or desire) human glory. This implies a deliberate and conscious decision to direct their efforts and motivations elsewhere, away from personal aggrandizement.
* **glory (Greek, _dóxa_):** Derived from a word meaning "to seem" or "to think," _dóxa_ here refers to human praise, honor, reputation, or recognition. It denotes the esteem or high regard that one might receive from others. Paul's denial of seeking _dóxa_ from men underscores that their ministry's objective was not to accumulate earthly accolades or to elevate their own status, but solely to magnify God and advance His kingdom.
* **burdensome (Greek, _báros_):** This noun literally means "weight" or "heaviness." Figuratively, as used here, it refers to a load, a financial imposition, or an authority that might be oppressive. When Paul says they "might have been burdensome," he is referring to their legitimate right as apostles to receive financial support from those they ministered to. His choice to avoid being a "weight" highlights his commitment to sacrificial service and to removing any potential obstacle or suspicion that might hinder the reception of the Gospel.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Nor of men sought we glory":** This opening clause sets the foundational principle of Paul's ministry: their primary motivation was never to gain human praise, honor, or recognition. Their ambition was not for self-exaltation or worldly acclaim, but for the commendation of God alone. This distinguishes their work from that of many contemporary teachers who operated for personal gain.
* **"neither of you, nor [yet] of others":** Paul expands the scope of his declaration, emphasizing that this principle applied universally. It was not just that they didn't seek glory from the Thessalonians (their immediate audience), but from no one at all. This broad statement reinforces the consistent and uncompromised nature of their selfless approach, asserting that their ministry was free from any desire for human applause from any source.
* **"when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ":** This crucial phrase highlights a significant aspect of Paul's apostolic integrity. As "apostles of Christ"—delegates and authorized representatives of Jesus Himself—they possessed the legitimate right to receive material support from the churches they served. However, they consciously chose not to exercise this right, opting instead to support themselves (often through manual labor). The term "burdensome" (from _báros_) implies imposing a financial or personal weight. By foregoing this right, Paul ensured that their ministry was perceived as genuinely selfless, free from any hint of mercenary motives, and thus, the Gospel could be received without suspicion.

#### Literary Devices
Paul masterfully employs several literary devices in this concise verse. The most prominent is **Contrast**, as he implicitly contrasts his conduct with that of false teachers or self-serving philosophers who actively sought glory and financial gain. By stating what they did *not* do ("Nor of men sought we glory"), he highlights the purity of their motives against a corrupt backdrop. There is also an element of **Understatement** or **Litotes** in the phrase "when we might have been burdensome." This subtly emphasizes the significant apostolic authority and rights they possessed, making their voluntary renunciation of those rights even more profound and impactful. Furthermore, Paul's assertion functions as an appeal to **Ethos**, building his credibility and demonstrating his moral character to the Thessalonians by recalling his consistent, selfless behavior among them.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The theological weight of 1 Thessalonians 2:6 lies in its profound statement about the nature of true Christian ministry. It asserts that genuine service to God is fundamentally distinct from worldly pursuits of honor, wealth, or personal recognition. Paul's example underscores that the authority of an apostle, or any spiritual leader, is not derived from human acclaim or material gain, but from a divine calling expressed through humble, sacrificial service. This verse challenges believers to examine their own motivations for service, reminding them that the ultimate audience for their efforts is God, not humanity. It roots ministry in a posture of self-giving, reflecting the very heart of the Gospel message where Christ gave Himself freely.

* [1 Corinthians 9:4-18](/1_corinthians/9-4-18 "Paul's Apostolic Rights and Renunciation")
* [2 Corinthians 11:7-9](/2_corinthians/11-7-9 "Paul's Self-Support in Corinth")
* [Galatians 1:10](/galatians/1-10 "Paul's Aim: To Please God, Not Men")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's declaration in 1 Thessalonians 2:6 offers a timeless and powerful blueprint for all who serve in any capacity, whether in formal ministry or daily life. It compels us to rigorously examine the true motives behind our actions. Are we driven by a desire for human applause, recognition, or personal advantage, or is our deepest longing to honor God and genuinely serve others? This verse challenges us to embrace a posture of servant leadership, prioritizing the well-being and spiritual growth of those we lead or influence over our own comfort, convenience, or perceived rights. For those evaluating spiritual leaders, it provides a critical standard: look for humility, integrity, and a demonstrable commitment to selfless service, rather than those who seek personal glory or financial gain. Ultimately, this passage calls us to embody the self-emptying love of Christ, freely giving of ourselves for the sake of the Gospel and the edification of the body, just as Paul did.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What are my primary motivations for the service or work I engage in, both within the church and in my daily life?**
* **In what specific ways might I be tempted to seek "glory" or recognition from others, rather than solely from God?**
* **How can I practically apply the principle of "not being burdensome" in my relationships and responsibilities, prioritizing the well-being of others over my own rights or desires?**
* **What does Paul's example in this verse teach me about the integrity of my witness for Christ in a world often driven by self-interest?**

### FAQ

**What does Paul mean by "Nor of men sought we glory"?**

Answer: Paul means that he and his missionary team (Silvanus and Timothy) did not make it their aim or ambition to gain praise, honor, or reputation from human beings. Their ministry was not driven by a desire for personal recognition, social status, or the approval of people, but rather by the pure motive of pleasing God and faithfully proclaiming His Gospel. This stood in stark contrast to many contemporary teachers who operated for personal gain or acclaim.

**Why did Paul choose not to be "burdensome" if he had the right as an apostle?**

Answer: Paul, as an apostle of Christ, indeed had the legitimate right to receive financial support from the churches he ministered to, as he clarifies in [1 Corinthians 9:4-14](/1_corinthians/9-4-14 "Paul's Defense of Apostolic Rights"). However, he often chose not to exercise this right in order to demonstrate the purity of his motives and to remove any potential obstacle or suspicion that might hinder the reception of the Gospel message. By supporting himself, often through manual labor ([Acts 20:34](/acts/20-34 "Paul's Self-Sufficiency")), he ensured that the Thessalonians understood that the Gospel was freely given, not a product for sale, and that his service was out of genuine love and commitment to them, not for personal profit.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's selfless conduct, as described in [1 Thessalonians 2:6](/1_thessalonians/2-6 "Paul's Selfless Ministry"), finds its ultimate and perfect fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Paul, as an "apostle of Christ," embodies the very spirit of his Master, who "did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many" ([Mark 10:45](/mark/10-45 "Jesus Came to Serve")). Jesus, though possessing all divine glory and authority, "did not consider equality with God as something to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant" ([Philippians 2:6-7](/philippians/2-6-7 "Christ's Humiliation")). He did not seek human praise or earthly glory during His ministry; instead, He consistently pointed to the Father's glory ([John 8:50](/john/8-50 "Jesus Seeks the Father's Glory")). While He had every right to be supported and honored as the Son of God, He chose a life of humility, even washing His disciples' feet as an example of servant leadership ([John 13:1-17](/john/13-1-17 "Jesus Washes Disciples' Feet")). Paul's refusal to seek glory or be a burden is a direct reflection of Christ's profound self-emptying love and His mission to give, not to gain. Thus, Paul's apostolic integrity serves as a powerful testament to the transformative power of the Gospel and the Christ-like character it produces.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Galatians 1:10

¶ For do I now persuade men, or God? or do I seek to please men? for if I yet pleased men, I should not be the servant of Christ.

1 Thessalonians 2:9

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

John 5:44

How can ye believe, which receive honour one of another, and seek not the honour that [cometh] from God only?

Philemon 1:8

¶ Wherefore, though I might be much bold in Christ to enjoin thee that which is convenient,

Philemon 1:9

Yet for love's sake I rather beseech [thee], being such an one as Paul the aged, and now also a prisoner of Jesus Christ.

John 5:41

I receive not honour from men.

2 Corinthians 10:1

¶ Now I Paul myself beseech you by the meekness and gentleness of Christ, who in presence [am] base among you, but being absent am bold toward you: