The word of the day is “ lives.” In our reading of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, St. Paul discloses that he earnestly desired to give something more than the Gospel to the Thessalonians. He writes, “So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (vs. 8). Motivations for Gospel Proclamation Paul refers to many motives for preaching the Gospel: to please others (vs. 4); to satisfy covetousness, that is “greediness”(Strong/s #4124, 203); and to earn glory, that is, good opinion, praise, and honor (Strong’s #1392, 72).  Indeed, Paul recognizes that some proclaim Christ because they are envious of the…
The word of the day is “affection.” In this is the season of the Nativity Fast we pray and fast to intensify our hope in the coming of our Savior in both his Advents. But are we just marking time before the Savior appears? In our reading of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, Paul reflects on his success among the Thessalonians. Yes, he recalls that he preached the Gospel to the Gentiles in Thessalonica. But in our reading, the apostle discloses that he earnestly desired to give the believers something more than the Gospel. He writes, “So,  affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you…
The word of the day is “ lives.” In our reading of 1 Thessalonians 2:1-8, St. Paul discloses that he earnestly desired to give something more than the Gospel to the Thessalonians. He writes, “So affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us” (vs. 8). Motivations for Gospel Proclamation Paul refers to many motives for preaching the Gospel: to please others (vs. 4); to satisfy covetousness, that is “greediness” (vs. 5);[1] and to earn glory, that is, good opinion, praise, and honor (vs. 6).[2] Indeed, Paul recognizes that some proclaim Christ because they are envious of the success…