Verse (Click for Chapter) 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 (just as you⁺ know) in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you⁺ the gospel of God in much struggle. 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. Berean Annotated 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 {Theō} to speak to you⁺ the gospel (good news) of God {Theou}. 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. 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. Majority Text Translations Majority Standard BibleAs 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. 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 Versionbut 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 (just as you⁺ know) in Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you⁺ the gospel of God in much struggle. 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 BibleBut 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 BibleBut 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 TestamentBut 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 Ministry1You 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 As you are aware, 1 Thessalonians 3:4 Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass. 1 Thessalonians 4:2 For you know the instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus. Philippians 1:30 since you are encountering the same struggle you saw I had, and now hear that I still have. we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. 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. Acts 16:37-39 But Paul said to the officers, “They beat us publicly without a trial and threw us into prison, even though we are Roman citizens. And now do they want to send us away secretly? Absolutely not! Let them come themselves and escort us out!” / So the officers relayed this message to the magistrates, who were alarmed to hear that Paul and Silas were Roman citizens. / They came to appease them and led them out, requesting that they leave the city. Philippians 1:29 For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for Him, But in the face of strong opposition, Acts 17:5-9 The Jews, however, became jealous. So they brought in some troublemakers from the marketplace, formed a mob, and sent the city into an uproar. They raided Jason’s house in search of Paul and Silas, hoping to bring them out to the people. / But when they could not find them, they dragged Jason and some other brothers before the city officials, shouting, “These men who have turned the world upside down have now come here, / and Jason has welcomed them into his home. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, named Jesus!” … Acts 17:13-15 But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, they went there themselves to incite and agitate the crowds. / The brothers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy remained in Berea. / Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible. 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 That is why we boast among God’s churches about your perseverance and faith in the face of all the persecution and affliction you are enduring. / All this is clear evidence of God’s righteous judgment. And so you will be counted worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. we were bold in our God Acts 4:29-31 And now, Lord, consider their threats, and enable Your servants to speak Your word with complete boldness, / as You stretch out Your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” / After they had prayed, their meeting place was shaken, and they were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly. Ephesians 6:19-20 Pray also for me, that whenever I open my mouth, words may be given me so that I will boldly make known the mystery of the gospel, / for which I am an ambassador in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it fearlessly, as I should. Philippians 1:14 And most of the brothers, confident in the Lord by my chains, now dare more greatly to speak the word without fear. to speak to you the gospel of God. Romans 1:1 Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, and set apart for the gospel of God— Romans 15:16 to be a minister of Christ Jesus to the Gentiles in the priestly service of the gospel of God, so that the Gentiles might become an offering acceptable to God, sanctified by the Holy Spirit. 2 Corinthians 11:7 Was it a sin for me to humble myself in order to exalt you, because I preached the gospel of God to you free of charge? 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. 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 TreatedJump 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 Treated1 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. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. PaulThe 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 AdversityDespite 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. Bible Study Questions and Answers 1. What is the meaning of 1 Thessalonians 2:2?2. How does 1 Thessalonians 2:2 inspire boldness in sharing the Gospel today? 3. What challenges did Paul face in Philippi before coming to Thessalonica? 4. How can we rely on God for courage in difficult situations? 5. What other scriptures emphasize boldness in proclaiming the Gospel? 6. How can we apply Paul's perseverance in our own ministry efforts? 7. How does 1 Thessalonians 2:2 demonstrate the apostles' perseverance despite suffering and opposition? 8. What historical context explains the suffering mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 2:2? 9. How does 1 Thessalonians 2:2 reflect the theme of boldness in preaching the gospel? 10. What are the top 10 Lessons from 1 Thessalonians 2? 11. If Paul’s persecution claims in 1 Thessalonians 2:2 lack corroborating archaeological evidence, can they be historically trusted? 12. How will encountering the Antichrist feel? 13. Who is the author of 1 Thessalonians? 14. What is the identity of the antichrist? What Does 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Mean As you are awarePaul begins by reminding the Thessalonian believers that they personally witnessed the manner of his ministry. They had seen his conduct and heard his message firsthand (1 Thessalonians 1:5; Acts 17:1-4). This shared knowledge forms the basis for everything he is about to say, underscoring that the testimony is not second-hand but grounded in their own experience. We had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi • Acts 16:22-24 records the public beating, imprisonment, and humiliation Paul and Silas suffered in Philippi. • 2 Corinthians 11:23-25 echoes these hardships, showing that suffering was not occasional but characteristic of apostolic ministry. Paul treats these events as historical fact, evidence that proclaiming Christ often attracts hostility. Far from discouraging him, the memory of these wounds strengthens his resolve; persecution validates rather than negates the gospel’s power (Philippians 1:29-30). But in the face of strong opposition Opposition followed Paul from Philippi to Thessalonica (Acts 17:5-10). Hostile mobs, legal intimidation, and slander all sought to silence the message. Yet opposition is never presented as an excuse to retreat. As in 1 Corinthians 16:9, an “open door” and “many adversaries” often appear together, reminding believers that fruitful ministry and conflict regularly coexist. We were bold in our God • True courage is not self-confidence but God-confidence (Acts 4:13, 29-31). • Boldness grows out of the Spirit’s power, love, and sound mind (2 Timothy 1:7). • Ephesians 6:19-20 frames bold speech as a gift to be requested from God. Paul’s boldness rests “in our God,” highlighting dependence on divine strength rather than personality or rhetorical skill. The same God who allowed suffering also supplied courage to keep speaking. To speak to you the gospel of God The goal was never self-defense but gospel proclamation. • Romans 1:1 calls this message “the gospel of God,” emphasizing its divine origin. • 1 Corinthians 15:1-4 defines the gospel’s core: Christ’s death for sins, burial, and resurrection. • 2 Timothy 2:9 notes that while God’s messengers can be chained, “the word of God is not bound.” By pressing on to Thessalonica with this message, Paul demonstrated that the gospel’s advance outranks personal comfort or safety. summary 1 Thessalonians 2:2 shows a chain of unbroken commitment: shared awareness, remembered suffering, ongoing opposition, Spirit-given boldness, and unwavering proclamation of God’s gospel. Persecution did not deter Paul; it magnified the reliability of the message and the faithfulness of the God who empowered him to speak. (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 Asκαθὼς (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. Links 1 Thessalonians 2:2 NIV1 Thessalonians 2:2 NLT 1 Thessalonians 2:2 ESV 1 Thessalonians 2:2 NASB 1 Thessalonians 2:2 KJV 1 Thessalonians 2:2 BibleApps.com 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Biblia Paralela 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Chinese Bible 1 Thessalonians 2:2 French Bible 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Catholic Bible 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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