1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 Entrusted With the Gospel

For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit; but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who examines our hearts. For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— [1 Thessalonians 2:3-5 NASB]

The city of Thessalonica was a major port city, and sat on the Egnatian Way, a major East/West route through Macedonia. It was a major metropolis with residents from all over the world, each bringing their own culture. There were a great many religions, including the Olympian gods, especially Apollo, Athena and Hercules. There were the native Greek religions, worshiping Dionysus and the sex and drinking cults. There were shrines to the Egyptian gods such as Isis, Sarapis and Anubis. There were the Roman state cults, which deified the heroes of Rome. On top of that, there were intellectual and philosophical traditions.

Almost all of the religions were missionary minded, and sought to spread their religion by sending out missionaries. Almost all of the missionaries for these various religions were known for their greed and underhanded dealings. They took what they could from their listeners, and moved on.

Paul's accusers lumped him in with these missionaries. They spread rumors that Paul was preaching a false message for the sake of greed. Paul is distinguishing himself from these false preachers by reminding the Thessalonians of what they already know, and have witnessed for themselves when Paul was with them.

Paul made it clear that it was God who entrusted him with the gospel. As he told the Galatians;

For I would have you know, brethren, that the gospel which was preached by me is not according to man. For I neither received it from man, nor was I taught it, but I received it through a revelation of Jesus Christ. [Galatians 1:11-12 NASB]

His motive for preaching is not to please men, but to please God. He also told them;

For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ. [Galatians 1:10 NASB]

Being a God-pleaser instead of a man-pleaser doesn't mean that you should alienate people. On the contrary, Paul said;

For though I am free from all men, I have made myself a slave to all, so that I may win more. To the Jews I became as a Jew, so that I might win Jews; to those who are under the Law, as under the Law though not being myself under the Law, so that I might win those who are under the Law; to those who are without law, as without law, though not being without the law of God but under the law of Christ, so that I might win those who are without law. To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak; I have become all things to all men, so that I may by all means save some. I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. [1 Corinthians 9:19-23 NASB]

The presentation of the Gospel may vary wildly. It may be as simple as talking one on one to neighbor. It may resemble a Billy Graham crusade, a preacher on a street corner, a concert with a Christian message. The variety of presentation is only limited by imagination.

But, the message never changes. The truth of the gospel must never be compromised for the sake of presentation. As Paul said;

For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified. [1 Corinthians 2:2 NASB]

Lord, please give me the wisdom and grace to reach people with the gospel for Your sake. I pray that the gospel message will go forth and spread, free of compromise, to a lost and needy world.