Vincent Word Studies - 1 Thessalonians 2:5 - 2:5

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Vincent Word Studies - 1 Thessalonians 2:5 - 2:5


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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:

Used we flattering words (ἐν λόγῳ κολακίας ἐγενηθήμεν)

Better, were we found using flattering discourse. Very literally and baldly it is, we came to pass in discourse of flattery. It means more than the mere fact that they were not flatterers: rather, they did not prove to be such in the course of their work. Similar periphrases with ἐν are found, Luk 22:44; Act 22:17; 2Co 3:7; Phi 2:7; with εἰς, Mat 21:42; Mar 12:10; Luk 20:17; Act 4:11; 1Th 3:5. Κολακία flattery, N.T.o. olxx. Rare in Class. Λόγῳ is explained by some as report or rumor. Common report did not charge us with being flatterers. This meaning is admissible, but the other is simpler. Paul says that they had not descended to flattery in order to make the gospel acceptable. They had not flattered men's self-complacency so as to blind them to their need of the radical work which the gospel demands.

Cloke of covetousness (προφάσει πλεονεξίας)

For πρόφασις see on Joh 15:22. Properly pretext: πρό before, φάσις a word or saying. Others, less probably, from προφαίνειν to cause to shine forth or before. Paul means that he had not used his apostolic office to disguise or conceal avaricious designs.

God is witness (θεὸς μάρτυς)

Comp. Rom 1:9; 2Co 1:23; Phi 1:8; 1Th 2:10. God or the Lord is witness is a common O.T. formula: see Gen 31:44, Gen 31:50; 1Sa 12:5, 1Sa 12:6; 1Sa 20:23, 1Sa 20:42; Wisd. 1:6. For testimony to his conduct, he appeals to the Thessalonians (as ye know): for testimony to his motives, he appeals to God. Comp. 1Th 2:10, where there is the double appeal.