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Observe here, how our apostle did and durst appeal to the Thessalonians themselves, as touching the sincerity and success of his public ministry among them:
Ye yourselves know. It is not sufficient to a minister's comfort, that he be well reported of amongst strangers, for his zeal and diligence, for his sincerity and faithfulness, unless he can and dare appeal to the consciences of his own people, and call them to vouch and bear witness to his integrity: Ye yourselves know that our entrance in unto you, was not in vain.
Our entrance in unto you; that is, our first preaching amongst you, was not in vain; that is, say some, it was not in vain in the matter, we did not preach about vain, useless and unprofitable niceties and speculations; but our preaching was substantial, sound and solid: It was not vain in the manner, say others; it was not undertaken rashly, and without a call, nor managed in a slight and vain manner; but the word in vain here, seems to point at these two things;
1. That it did not want power and energy, but had the demonstration of divine assistance to confirm them in the faith that heard it, and also those that preached it, in expectation of success.
2. It was not in vain; that is, it did not want fruit, it was not without a great and gracious success: For the word vain, when it is applied to the message which the ministers of God bring, signifies the not accomplishing the great ends for which it was designed. The word that goeth out of my mouth, shall not return unto me in vain Isa_55:11, but prosper, &c.
Hence learn, that where a minister is regularly called to, and faihfully discharges his duty amongst a people, both by public preaching and private instruction, his labours seldom if ever, want fruit, in some degree or measure, either sooner or later, either manifest or secret, either for conversion or edification.
We have the promise of Christ's presence with us, Mat_28:20. And if the fault be not ours, we shall certainly experience it; both the presence of his power to strengthen us, and the presence of his gracious Spirit to succeed us. Possibly we do not see any visible success at present; but this may comfort us, there is more good done by the ministry of the word, than we are aware of; and if we reap not the fruit of the seed we sow, they who come after us may; but if neither they nor we reap fruit, our ministry shall not be in vain, with reference to ourselves; yet shall we be glorious, though Israel be not gathered.
But, O! that our people might share in that glory with us, and also shine as the stars, for ever and ever! God grant we may never be called forth by Christ to give a judicial testimony against any of them at the bar of God, for not believing our report.
Observe here, how our apostle did and durst appeal to the Thessalonians themselves, as touching the sincerity and success of his public ministry among them: Ye yourselves know. It is not sufficient to a minister's comfort, that he be well reported of amongst strangers, for his zeal and diligence, for his sincerity and faithfulness, unless he can and dare appeal to the consciences of his own people, and call them to vouch and bear witness to his integrity: Ye yourselves know that our entrance in unto you, was not in vain. Our entrance in unto you; that is, our first preaching amongst you, was not in vain; that is, say some, it was not in vain in the matter, we did not preach about vain, useless and unprofitable niceties and speculations; but our preaching was substantial, sound and solid: It was not vain in the manner, say others; it was not undertaken rashly, and without a call, nor managed in a slight and vain manner; but the word in vain here, seems to point at these two things; 1. That it did not want power and energy, but had the demonstration of divine assistance to confirm them in the faith that heard it, and also those that preached it, in expectation of success. 2. It was not in vain; that is, it did not want fruit, it was not without a great and gracious success: For the word vain, when it is applied to the message which the ministers of God bring, signifies the not accomplishing the great ends for which it was designed. Isa_55:11. The word that goeth out of my mouth, shall not return unto me in vain, but prosper, &c. Hence learn, that where a minister is regularly called to, and faihfully discharges his duty amongst a people, both by public preaching and private instruction, his labours seldom if ever, want fruit, in some degree or measure, either sooner or later, either manifest or secret, either for conversion or edification. We have the promise of Christ's presence with us, Mat_28:20. And if the fault be not ours, we shall certainly experience it; both the presence of his power to strengthen us, and the presence of his gracious Spirit to succeed us. Possibly we do not see any visible success at present; but this may comfort us, there is more good done by the ministry of the word, than we are aware of; and if we reap not the fruit of the seed we sow, they who come after us may; but if neither they nor we reap fruit, our ministry shall not be in vain, with reference to ourselves; yet shall we be glorious, though Israel be not gathered. But, O! that our people might share in that glory with us, and also shine as the stars, for ever and ever! God grant we may never be called forth by Christ to give a judicial testimony against any of them at the bar of God, for not believing our report.