The apostle Paul was a great preacher. By his example and instruction, he teaches much about preaching the Gospel. In his letter to the Thessalonians he gives a glimpse into his style of preaching. In chapter two he writes, “For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain: 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. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the Gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness: Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (1 Thessalonians 2:1-7).
From this description of Paul’s preaching among the Thessalonians, we learn the following:
- Paul’s preaching was not vain, useless. He did not teach the doctrines of men which are useless (Matthew 15:8-9), but preached the “word of God which effectually worketh also in you that believe” (1 Thessalonians 2:13).
- One who preaches the Word of God is subject to being shamefully treated. In Paul’s day, as in ours, most folks do not wish to hear the pure, simple Gospel of God. Paul even warned the young preacher Timothy, “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:12). Jesus spoke of a time “when men shall hate you, and when they shall separate you from their company and shall reproach you, and cast out your name as evil, for the Son of man’s sake” (Luke 6:22). Preaching the Gospel does not make friends from the world or from those who have turned their backs on the truth and deserted the ranks of faithful Christians.
For part 2 of this epistle, check out Gospel Preaching (Part 2 of 2)