1 Thessalonians 2:6

Text (1 Thessalonians 2:6)

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

Translation and Paraphrase

6.

Neither (were we ever found) seeking glory from men, neither from you, nor from (any) others, though we have authority to be burdensome (and demand that you support us) as apostles of Christ.

Notes (1 Thessalonians 2:6)

1.

How hard men will strain to get glory and honor in this world! They will lie to get it. They will embezzle money so they can appear greater than they truly are. They will run down other people so that they themselves can appear better by contrast. But Paul did not even seek glory when he could have legitimately claimed it.

2.

What is this glory which Paul did not seek? The word naturally suggests honor and praise. Paul did not seek that type of glory. In this verse he denies the motive of ambition, as he denied the motive of covetousness in verse five.

Jesus said that He did not receive glory from men. John 5:41. But those who opposed Jesus sought honor (glory) one of another. John 5:44. He that speaketh of himself seeketh his own glory: but he that seeketh his glory that sent him, the same is true, and no unrighteousness is in him. John 7:18. Paul was that type of a man. He sought no glory from men, only from God.

3.

However, the word glory has another meaning, which is suggested by the context. (By context we mean the verses that go immediately before and after this verse.) The context suggests that the glory which Paul shunned was the financial gain that he might have obtained from his office and work.

4.

Thus the two meanings of glory are:

(1)

Honor and praise.

(2)

Financial rewards and support.

5.

Paul had every right to demand financial support from his converts, even if that required making himself burdensome to them. 1 Corinthians 9:6-14. But Paul supported himself by his own labors, and did not collect support from them. This he did to impress upon them the sincerity of his intentions and message.

6.

There are three negatives (in 1 Thessalonians 2:5-6), each introduced by the Gr. conjunction oute, which we should notice:

(1)

Neither. used we flattering words.

(2)

Nor a cloke of covetousness.

(3)

Nor. sought we glory.

Can you make these same emphatic denials in describing your service to Christ?