In the understanding of many commentators, Paul’s purpose in writing 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 is either to defend himself from accusations that were being made against him in Thessalonica^1,2 or to support his aim of exhorting the Thessalonian believers to live as disciples of the Lord Jesus.^3,4

The reasons for interpreting this passage as a defence against accusations made against Paul have largely to do with how the apostle seems to be so anxious to correct false ideas about his ministry in Thessalonica. Note: (a) the repeated appeal to what the Thessalonians already know (1 Thessalonians 2:1–2, 1 Thessalonians 2:9–10); and (b) the repeated appeals to God as witness of Paul’s character and motives (1 Thessalonians 2:4–5, 1 Thessalonians 2:10).⁵

There may be an element of truth in both these views regarding the purpose of 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12, but we can probably get a clearer idea of Paul’s aim in this passage by looking at the wider context, especially 1 Thessalonians 2:1—3:13.⁶ From this context we note that Paul, both before and after sending Timothy to Thessalonica, was deeply concerned about the Thessalonians’ faith: would they continue to trust and follow Jesus as Lord, or would they abandon their newfound faith in him (1 Thessalonians 3:1–5, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, 1 Thessalonians 3:10)? It would be consistent with this concern if 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 were understood as an attempt to strengthen the faith of the Thessalonian believers.

This understanding of 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 is supported by 1 Thessalonians 2:13, which can be viewed as a conclusion to what is said in the first twelve verses of the chapter: because of what he has written in 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12, Paul thanks God that the Thessalonians accepted his message not as the word of men, but as the word of God. In other words, all that is written in 1 Thessalonians 2:1–12 encourages the Thessalonians to continue believing that the gospel of Jesus Christ, for which they are suffering, is not a story that Paul made up to get money, respect, or popularity from them; it is the very word of God that continues to work powerfully in their lives. They must not think that they have believed in vain!