1 Thessalonians 2:7

¶ But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

But {G235} we were {G1096} gentle {G2261} among {G1722}{G3319} you {G5216}, even as {G5613} a nurse {G5162} cherisheth {G302}{G2282} her {G1438} children {G5043}:

As emissaries of the Messiah, we could have made our weight felt; but instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother feeding and caring for her children.

On the contrary, we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring for her children.

But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children:

In 1 Thessalonians 2:7, the Apostle Paul describes the tender and selfless nature of his ministry to the believers in Thessalonica. He likens his approach, along with Silas and Timothy, to that of a nurturing mother, emphasizing the gentle care they extended to the fledgling church.

Context

This verse is part of Paul's defense of his apostolic integrity and the purity of his motives in ministering to the Thessalonians. Following accusations or suspicions that his ministry might be self-serving or manipulative, Paul contrasts his genuine affection and hard work with the practices of false teachers who sought personal gain or glory. He emphasizes that unlike those who exploit their followers, they came not with flattery or a cloak for covetousness, but with sincere love and dedication, much like a parent cares for their own children. This sets the stage for understanding the depth of their profound commitment to the Thessalonian believers.

Key Themes

  • Gentle Pastoral Care: The verse highlights the compassionate and patient nature that should characterize spiritual leadership. Paul's ministry was not about asserting authority harshly but about nurturing the flock with tenderness.
  • Authentic Leadership: By comparing himself to a nurse, Paul underscores the selfless and sacrificial aspect of his service. True Christian leadership is motivated by love and concern for the spiritual well-being of others, rather than personal ambition or gain.
  • Spiritual Nurturing: The imagery of a "nurse cherishing her children" vividly portrays the intimate, protective, and life-giving care essential for spiritual growth. It speaks to the need for leaders to provide warmth, sustenance, and comfort to those under their charge, fostering their spiritual development. This echoes the concept of spiritual parenting within the church.

Linguistic Insights

  • The Greek word translated "gentle" is ēpioi (ἤπιοι), which means mild, kind, or gentle. It suggests an an absence of harshness or severity, portraying a disposition of warmth and approachability.
  • The term "nurse" is trophos (τροφός), commonly referring to a wet nurse or a nurturing mother figure. This highlights the intimate, personal, and life-sustaining role.
  • "Cherisheth" comes from the Greek verb thalpō (θάλπω), which literally means to warm, to keep warm, or to nourish. It conveys a sense of tender care, comfort, and fostering growth, much like a bird warms its young or a mother holds her infant close.

Practical Application

1 Thessalonians 2:7 serves as a timeless model for all forms of Christian service and leadership. It reminds us that:

  • Ministry is Relational: Effective spiritual leadership is built on genuine love and a desire to nurture, not just teach or command.
  • Humility is Key: Leaders are called to serve with humility and gentleness, prioritizing the needs of those they lead over their own. This contrasts with the temptation to lord it over the flock.
  • Care is Comprehensive: Like a nurse, spiritual caregivers should provide warmth, comfort, and sustenance, adapting their approach to the specific needs of individuals for their holistic spiritual well-being.
This verse encourages every believer to approach others, especially new or struggling Christians, with the same tender, patient, and selfless love that a mother shows her own children, fostering a compassionate and supportive church community.

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.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11

    As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [doth] his children,

  • Isaiah 66:13

    As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem.

  • Isaiah 49:23

    And kings shall be thy nursing fathers, and their queens thy nursing mothers: they shall bow down to thee with [their] face toward the earth, and lick up the dust of thy feet; and thou shalt know that I [am] the LORD: for they shall not be ashamed that wait for me.

  • 2 Timothy 2:24

    And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all [men], apt to teach, patient,

  • 2 Timothy 2:25

    In meekness instructing those that oppose themselves; if God peradventure will give them repentance to the acknowledging of the truth;

  • Galatians 5:22

    But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

  • Galatians 5:23

    Meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

Add TrulyRandomVerse to your Home Screen for quick access!

← Back