1 Thessalonians 2:2
New International Version
We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.

New Living Translation
You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there. Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, in spite of great opposition.

English Standard Version
But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.

Berean Standard Bible
As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.

Berean Literal Bible
But having previously suffered and having been mistreated in Philippi, just as you know, we had boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much conflict.

King James Bible
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.

New King James Version
But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

New American Standard Bible
but after we had already suffered and been treated abusively in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

NASB 1995
but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

NASB 1977
but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

Legacy Standard Bible
but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much struggle.

Amplified Bible
but after we had already suffered and been outrageously treated in Philippi, as you know, yet in [the strength of] our God we summoned the courage to proclaim boldly to you the good news of God [regarding salvation] amid great opposition.

Christian Standard Bible
On the contrary, after we had previously suffered and were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

Holman Christian Standard Bible
On the contrary, after we had previously suffered, and we were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

American Standard Version
but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.

Contemporary English Version
As you remember, we had been mistreated and insulted at Philippi. But God gave us the courage to tell you the good news about him, even though many people caused us trouble.

English Revised Version
but having suffered before, and been shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.

GOD'S WORD® Translation
As you know, we suffered rough and insulting treatment in Philippi. But our God gave us the courage to tell you his Good News in spite of strong opposition.

Good News Translation
You know how we had already been mistreated and insulted in Philippi before we came to you in Thessalonica. And even though there was much opposition, our God gave us courage to tell you the Good News that comes from him.

International Standard Version
As you know, we suffered persecution and were mistreated in Philippi. Yet we were encouraged by our God to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.

Majority Standard Bible
As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.

NET Bible
But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition.

New Heart English Bible
but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.

Webster's Bible Translation
But even after we had suffered before, and were shamefully treated, as ye know, at Phillippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much contention.

Weymouth New Testament
But, as you will remember, after we had already met with suffering and outrage at Philippi, we summoned up boldness, by the help of our God, to tell you God's Good News amid much opposition.

World English Bible
but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.
Literal Translations
Literal Standard Version
but having both suffered before, and having been mistreated (as you have known) in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the good news of God in much conflict,

Berean Literal Bible
But having previously suffered and having been mistreated in Philippi, just as you know, we had boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much conflict.

Young's Literal Translation
but having both suffered before, and having been injuriously treated (as ye have known) in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the good news of God in much conflict,

Smith's Literal Translation
But also having suffered before, and having been injured, as ye know, among the Philippians, we acted freely in our God to speak to you the good news of God with much contest.
Catholic Translations
Douay-Rheims Bible
But having suffered many things before, and been shamefully treated (as you know) at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, to speak unto you the gospel of God in much carefulness.

Catholic Public Domain Version
Instead, having previously suffered and been treated shamefully, as you know, at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, so as to speak the Gospel of God to you with much solicitude.

New American Bible
Rather, after we had suffered and been insolently treated, as you know, in Philippi, we drew courage through our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much struggle.

New Revised Standard Version
but though we had already suffered and been shamefully mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we had courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of great opposition.
Translations from Aramaic
Lamsa Bible
But from the beginning we suffered and as you know were treated shamefully, at Philip’pi; then with more struggle but with confidence in our God, we preached to you the gospel of Christ.

Aramaic Bible in Plain English
But first we suffered and we were abused in Philippus as you know, and then in a great struggle we spoke The Gospel of The Messiah with you in the boldness of our God.
NT Translations
Anderson New Testament
But having suffered before, and having been outraged, as you know, in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in the midst of great peril.

Godbey New Testament
but having suffered, and been abused, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.

Haweis New Testament
But though we had suffered before, and were infamously treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to preach unto you the gospel of God amidst a great conflict.

Mace New Testament
on the contrary, notwithstanding the outrages, you know we suffer'd at Philippi, we had still the resolution, by the divine assistance, to preach the gospel of God to you without reserve against all opposition.

Weymouth New Testament
But, as you will remember, after we had already met with suffering and outrage at Philippi, we summoned up boldness, by the help of our God, to tell you God's Good News amid much opposition.

Worrell New Testament
but, having suffered before, and having been shamefully treated, as ye know, in Philippi, we grew bold in our God to speak to you the Gospel of God in much conflict.

Worsley New Testament
But though we had suffered before and been injuriously treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we spake boldly in the name of our God to declare unto you the gospel of God with much conflict.

Additional Translations ...
Audio Bible



Context
Paul's Ministry
1You yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not in vain. 2As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God. 3For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.…

Cross References
Acts 16:22-24
The crowd joined in the attack against Paul and Silas, and the magistrates ordered that they be stripped and beaten with rods. / And after striking them with many blows, they threw them into prison and ordered the jailer to guard them securely. / On receiving this order, he placed them in the inner cell and fastened their feet in the stocks.

Philippians 1:30
since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have.

2 Corinthians 7:5
For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within.

Acts 17:1-9
When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue. / As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue, and on three Sabbaths he reasoned with them from the Scriptures, / explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise from the dead. “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Christ,” he declared. ...

2 Corinthians 4:8-10
We are hard pressed on all sides, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; / persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. / We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body.

2 Timothy 3:11
my persecutions, and the sufferings that came upon me in Antioch, Iconium, and Lystra. What persecutions I endured! Yet the Lord rescued me from all of them.

Acts 14:5-7
But when the Gentiles and Jews, together with their rulers, set out to mistreat and stone them, / they found out about it and fled to the Lycaonian cities of Lystra and Derbe and to the surrounding region, / where they continued to preach the gospel.

2 Corinthians 1:8-10
We do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the hardships we encountered in the province of Asia. We were under a burden far beyond our ability to endure, so that we despaired even of life. / Indeed, we felt we were under the sentence of death, in order that we would not trust in ourselves, but in God, who raises the dead. / He has delivered us from such a deadly peril, and He will deliver us. In Him we have placed our hope that He will yet again deliver us,

Romans 8:35-37
Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall trouble or distress or persecution or famine or nakedness or danger or sword? / As it is written: “For Your sake we face death all day long; we are considered as sheep to be slaughtered.” / No, in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.

2 Corinthians 6:4-5
Rather, as servants of God we commend ourselves in every way: in great endurance; in troubles, hardships, and calamities; / in beatings, imprisonments, and riots; in labor, sleepless nights, and hunger;

Acts 13:50-51
The Jews, however, incited the religious women of prominence and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas and drove them out of their district. / So they shook the dust off their feet in protest against them and went to Iconium.

2 Corinthians 11:23-27
Are they servants of Christ? (I am speaking as if I were out of my mind.) I am so much more: in harder labor, in more imprisonments, in worse beatings, in frequent danger of death. / Five times I received from the Jews the forty lashes minus one. / Three times I was beaten with rods, once I was stoned, three times I was shipwrecked. I spent a night and a day in the open sea. ...

Acts 14:19-22
Then some Jews arrived from Antioch and Iconium and won over the crowds. They stoned Paul and dragged him outside the city, presuming he was dead. / But after the disciples had gathered around him, he got up and went back into the city. And the next day he left with Barnabas for Derbe. / They preached the gospel to that city and made many disciples. Then they returned to Lystra, Iconium, and Antioch, ...

Philippians 1:12-14
Now I want you to know, brothers, that my circumstances have actually served to advance the gospel. / As a result, it has become clear throughout the whole palace guard and to everyone else that I am in chains for Christ. / And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear.

Acts 9:29-30
He talked and debated with the Grecian Jews, but they tried to kill him. / When the brothers learned of this, they took him down to Caesarea and sent him off to Tarsus.


Treasury of Scripture

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much contention.

shamefully.

Acts 5:41
And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.

Acts 16:12,22-24,37
And from thence to Philippi, which is the chief city of that part of Macedonia, and a colony: and we were in that city abiding certain days…

2 Timothy 1:12
For the which cause I also suffer these things: nevertheless I am not ashamed: for I know whom I have believed, and am persuaded that he is able to keep that which I have committed unto him against that day.

bold.

1 Thessalonians 1:5
For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

Acts 4:13,20,31
Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were unlearned and ignorant men, they marvelled; and they took knowledge of them, that they had been with Jesus…

Acts 14:3
Long time therefore abode they speaking boldly in the Lord, which gave testimony unto the word of his grace, and granted signs and wonders to be done by their hands.

much.

Acts 6:9,10
Then there arose certain of the synagogue, which is called the synagogue of the Libertines, and Cyrenians, and Alexandrians, and of them of Cilicia and of Asia, disputing with Stephen…

Acts 15:1,2
And certain men which came down from Judaea taught the brethren, and said, Except ye be circumcised after the manner of Moses, ye cannot be saved…

Acts 17:2-9,17
And Paul, as his manner was, went in unto them, and three sabbath days reasoned with them out of the scriptures, …

Jump to Previous
Already Bold Boldness Conflict Contention Courage Declare Entreated Face God's Good Gospel Great Grew Help Met Mistreated News Opposition Outrage Philippi Philip'pi Previously Remember Shamefully Speak Spite Strong Suffered Suffering Summoned Treated
Jump to Next
Already Bold Boldness Conflict Contention Courage Declare Entreated Face God's Good Gospel Great Grew Help Met Mistreated News Opposition Outrage Philippi Philip'pi Previously Remember Shamefully Speak Spite Strong Suffered Suffering Summoned Treated
1 Thessalonians 2
1. In what manner the gospel was brought and preached to the Thessalonians.
18. A reason is rendered both why Paul was so long absent from them, and also so desirous to see them.














As you are aware,
Paul begins by reminding the Thessalonians of their shared history and experiences. This phrase indicates that the Thessalonians were familiar with the events Paul is about to recount, suggesting a close relationship and previous communication between Paul and the church in Thessalonica. This familiarity underscores the authenticity and transparency of Paul's ministry.

we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi.
Philippi was a Roman colony where Paul and Silas were imprisoned after being falsely accused (Acts 16:16-24). Their suffering included being beaten and placed in stocks, which was both physically painful and humiliating. This experience highlights the cost of discipleship and the reality of persecution for the early Christians. It also serves as a testament to their commitment to spreading the gospel despite adversity.

But in the face of strong opposition,
The opposition Paul faced was not only physical but also spiritual and social. In Thessalonica, Paul encountered resistance from both Jewish leaders and local authorities (Acts 17:5-9). This opposition is a recurring theme in Paul's ministry, reflecting the broader conflict between the early Christian movement and established religious and political systems. It also echoes Jesus' own experiences of opposition during His earthly ministry.

we were bold in our God
Paul's boldness is attributed to his faith and reliance on God. This boldness is not mere human courage but is empowered by the Holy Spirit. It reflects a deep trust in God's sovereignty and purpose, even in the midst of trials. This boldness is a model for believers, encouraging them to rely on God's strength rather than their own.

to speak to you the gospel of God.
The gospel of God refers to the good news of Jesus Christ, His death, and resurrection for the salvation of humanity. Paul's mission was to proclaim this message, which he did with clarity and conviction. The phrase emphasizes the divine origin of the gospel, distinguishing it from human philosophies or teachings. It also connects to the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20), where Jesus commands His followers to spread the gospel to all nations.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Thessalonians, recounting his experiences and the challenges faced in spreading the Gospel.

2. Silas
A companion of Paul who was with him during the events in Philippi and Thessalonica.

3. Philippi
A city in Macedonia where Paul and Silas were imprisoned and mistreated for preaching the Gospel.

4. Thessalonica
The city where Paul and Silas continued their missionary work despite previous opposition.

5. Opposition
The resistance and hostility faced by Paul and Silas from both local authorities and some members of the community.
Teaching Points
Courage in Adversity
Despite suffering and shameful treatment, Paul and Silas were emboldened by God. This teaches us that true courage comes from reliance on God, especially in the face of opposition.

The Power of the Gospel
The Gospel's power is not diminished by human opposition. Believers are called to proclaim it boldly, trusting in God's strength rather than their own.

Endurance through Suffering
Suffering for the sake of the Gospel is not in vain. It can lead to greater opportunities to witness and share God's love with others.

Divine Empowerment
God provides the necessary strength and boldness to His servants to fulfill their mission, even when circumstances are challenging.

Faithfulness in Mission
Paul and Silas's commitment to their mission, despite previous hardships, serves as a model for believers to remain faithful in their calling.(2) Even after "what was enough to have scared others" (Bengel). Such men were not likely to be "vain." The marks of their ill-treatment at Philippi were fresh upon them at Thessalonica (as ye know). See Acts 16 and Acts 17:1.

In our God.--These words give the ground of their boldness--"in reliance on the God whom we felt to be in union with us."

With much contention.--Rather, in the midst of much conflict arising from persecution.

Verse 2. - But even after we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated. As the word here rendered "suffered before" does not in itself imply that the sufferings were unjust, the apostle adds, "and were shamefully entreated." As ye know, at Philippi. We are informed, in the Acts of the Apostles, that Paul and Silas were publicly scourged and cast into prison; and scourging with rods was regarded as an ignominious punishment, and therefore was forbidden to be inflicted on Roman citizens, such as Paul and Silas were. "They have beaten us openly uncondemned, being Romans, and have cast us into prison" (Acts 16:37). We were bold in our God to speak unto you. The word here rendered "bold" denotes boldness or freedom of speech; and hence some render the clause, "We were bold of speech in our God, so as to speak unto you" (Ellicott). Perhaps, however, as the verb "to speak" follows, it is better to render the clause," We were confident in our God to speak;" or "emboldened to speak" (R.V., "we waxed bold"). This boldness or confidence was in our God, that is, on account of our fellowship or union with him. The gospel of God. The genitive of origin, denoting, not merely that God was the Object, but that he was the Author of the gospel. With much contention; or, in much conflict (R.V.), alluding to the peril and danger with which Paul preached the gospel in Thessalonica.

Parallel Commentaries ...


Greek
As
καθὼς (kathōs)
Adverb
Strong's 2531: According to the manner in which, in the degree that, just as, as. From kata and hos; just as, that.

you are aware,
οἴδατε (oidate)
Verb - Perfect Indicative Active - 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 1492: To know, remember, appreciate.

we had already endured suffering
προπαθόντες (propathontes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Active - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 4310: To suffer previously. From pro and pascho; to undergo hardship previously.

and
καὶ (kai)
Conjunction
Strong's 2532: And, even, also, namely.

shameful treatment
ὑβρισθέντες (hybristhentes)
Verb - Aorist Participle Passive - Nominative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5195: To insult, treat with insolence. From hubris; to exercise violence, i.e. Abuse.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

Philippi.
Φιλίπποις (Philippois)
Noun - Dative Masculine Plural
Strong's 5375: Philippi, a great city of the Roman province Macedonia. Plural of Philippos; Philippi, a place in Macedonia.

But
ἀλλὰ (alla)
Conjunction
Strong's 235: But, except, however. Neuter plural of allos; properly, other things, i.e. contrariwise.

in the face of
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

strong
πολλῷ (pollō)
Adjective - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 4183: Much, many; often.

opposition,
ἀγῶνι (agōni)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 73: From ago; properly, a place of assembly, i.e. a contest; figuratively, an effort or anxiety.

we were bold
ἐπαρρησιασάμεθα (eparrēsiasametha)
Verb - Aorist Indicative Middle - 1st Person Plural
Strong's 3955: To speak freely, boldly; To be confident.

in
ἐν (en)
Preposition
Strong's 1722: In, on, among. A primary preposition denoting position, and instrumentality, i.e. A relation of rest; 'in, ' at, on, by, etc.

our
ἡμῶν (hēmōn)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Genitive 1st Person Plural
Strong's 1473: I, the first-person pronoun. A primary pronoun of the first person I.

God
Θεῷ (Theō)
Noun - Dative Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

to speak
λαλῆσαι (lalēsai)
Verb - Aorist Infinitive Active
Strong's 2980: A prolonged form of an otherwise obsolete verb; to talk, i.e. Utter words.

the
τὸ (to)
Article - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 3588: The, the definite article. Including the feminine he, and the neuter to in all their inflections; the definite article; the.

gospel
εὐαγγέλιον (euangelion)
Noun - Accusative Neuter Singular
Strong's 2098: From the same as euaggelizo; a good message, i.e. The gospel.

of God
Θεοῦ (Theou)
Noun - Genitive Masculine Singular
Strong's 2316: A deity, especially the supreme Divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; by Hebraism, very.

to
πρὸς (pros)
Preposition
Strong's 4314: To, towards, with. A strengthened form of pro; a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e. Toward.

you.
ὑμᾶς (hymas)
Personal / Possessive Pronoun - Accusative 2nd Person Plural
Strong's 4771: You. The person pronoun of the second person singular; thou.


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NT Letters: 1 Thessalonians 2:2 But having suffered before and been shamefully (1 Thess. 1 Thes. 1Th iTh i Th)
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