Metaphysical Bible Interpretation of I Thessalonians Chapter 2
Metaphysically Interpreting I Thessalonians 2:1-16
2:1For yourselves, brethren, know our entering in unto you, that it hath not been found vain: 2:2but 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. 2:3For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: 2:4but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts. 2:5For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness; 2:6nor seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others, when we might have claimed authority as apostles of Christ. 2:7But we were gentle in the midst of you, as when a nurse cherisheth her own children:2:8even so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were become very dear to us.
2:9For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 2:10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and righteously and unblameably we behaved ourselves toward you that believe: 2:11as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying, 2:12to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.
2:13And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when ye received from us the word of the message, even the word of God, ye accepted it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe. 2:14For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judaea in Christ Jesus: for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews; 2:15who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove out us, and pleased not God, and are contrary to all men; 2:16forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always: but the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
Sunday, September 20, 1925: I Thessalonians 2:1-12
In a former lesson we read that because they healed a girl who had the spirit of divination, Paul and Silas were beaten and put into jail. Then they prayed and praised until the doors of the prison opened, their shackles fell off, and they were free. What has this incident to do with the lesson for today? The casting of the spirit of divination out of the damsel represents denying out of consciousness, the thought of obtaining financial gain through spiritual power. When one has rid his mind of that idea he perceives that the condemnation and the persecution that follow are not to be compared to the spiritual gain.
Paul says that he waxed bold in speaking the gospel of God. What is the foundation of this boldness in proclaiming Truth in the face of much error? The consciousness that we are speaking Truth and are approved of God gives us courage and boldness and makes us know that what we teach is Truth, although we may not yet have demonstrated the fact.
Paul said that he was not “seeking glory of men, neither from you nor from others;” he also said that he was not “using words of flattery ... nor a cloak of covetousness.” Are Christians ever guilty of these errors of mortal thought? Many temptations are set before the followers of Jesus, one of the strongest being the desire to trim Truth to please the people. Covetousness, money-getting, is another temptation. Many teachers and preachers suppress absolute truth, because it may offend some of their wealthy supporters.
Paul said: “Being affectionately desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls.” What did he mean? Paul was aggressive, yet affectionate and loving. Through love our thoughts and our words of Truth are charged with fecundity. Jesus said that his words were Spirit and life. When our words are charged with Spirit and life and our hearts overflow with love, our words impregnate receptive souls; in this way seeds of the new birth are sown in receptive soil.
In verses 11 and 12 Paul expresses the love of the pastor for his flock: “As ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying, to the end that ye should walk worthily of God, who calleth you into his own kingdom and glory.” Did Jesus feel such love for his followers? In what way did he express it? Jesus again and again voiced the love of God for his children; “Herein is my Father glorified, that ye bear much fruit; and so shall ye be my disciples. Even as the Father hath loved me, I also have loved you: abide ye in my love.” (John 15:8) “O Jerusalem, Jerusalem, that killeth the prophets, and stoneth them that are sent unto her! How often would I have gathered thy children together, even as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, and ye would not!” (Luke 13:34)
October 18, 1931: Thessalonians 2:7-12
What does the latter part of this lesson show? The latter part of this lesson shows the Christ mind actively at work in Paul in regard to those among his hearers who accepted his teaching and became followers of the Way. His labor among them was pure, sincere, unselfish, and truly righteous. Interpreting this part of our lesson metaphysically, we perceive the necessity of one's being undivided in thought and belief, when he speaks the Christ Truth into the individual consciousness.
October 18, 1936: Thessalonians 2:7-12
Should zeal, to be powerful, be altogether unqualified? To be most powerful zeal should be tempered by good judgment, tolerance, and intelligent willingness to examine all questions.
By what means do we most easily eliminate hard conditions and experiences from life? We rid ourselves of hard conditions and adverse experiences by the world of Truth expressed through love.
July 27, 1941: I Thessalonians 2:13
What is the word of God? Every word that is charged with Truth is the word of God. The word of God “also worketh in you that believe.” What is meant by this statement? The indwelling Spirit of truth inspires those who seek to become conscious of it and who believe in its power to enlighten them.
May 14, 1944: I Thessalonians 2:1-12
What teaching is most effectual? That which shows earnestness, cleanness of mind, and sincerity.
Do our words prove more than the point we are attempting to make? They prove us as well as our faith. If our teaching is tinged with error, if it is not unadulterated Truth, if it is insincere, overlaid with flattery or swollen with covetousness, sooner or later these things make themselves evident and corrupt or dilute our teaching, reducing our influence and minimizing our power.
What part has humility in the teaching of Truth? It clothes the thought of the true teacher, leaving the sense self out of mind.
How can we be perfect as the Father in heaven is perfect? By thinking and acting in accord with divine principles we rise to this perfection. Our Father-Mother God has need of us as instruments to entrust with the word of Truth that all need to hear and receive.
Metaphysically Interpreting I Thessalonians 2:17-20
2:17But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:2:18because we would fain have come unto you, I Paul once and again; and Satan hindered us. 2:19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even ye, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?2:20For ye are our glory and our joy.
Transcribed by Lloyd Kinder on 01-13-2014
