Verse: But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time … 1 Thess 2:17 

History: History of the church of Thessalonica, Paul and Silas traveled to Thessalonica from Phillipi on Paul’s second missionary journey to preach the news about Jesus. He spent three weeks teaching in the Jewish synagogue, but most of the Thessalonian Jews became indignant and formed a mob to drive the men out of the city. However, “some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas, as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women” (Acts 17:4). That was the beginning of the church at Thessalonica.

Not long after his initial visit to Thessalonica, Paul was in Corinth, where he wrote two letters that we now call 1 and 2 Thessalonians, addressed to the newfound church in Thessalonica

Lesson: Paul as the minister to this church, what can we learn from Paul as a minister?

• Minister’s Intentional: On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. 1 Thes 2:4 – Any time we minister make sure it is to please God and all glory should be on Jesus, and the spotlight should be on Jesus alone.
• Minister’s Desire: You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. 1 Thes 2:5-6 – What a pure heart, no praise needed from people, and never asserted any authority.
• Heart of Minister: Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we care for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well. 1 Thes 2:7-8 – The Minister has to treat believers as children and Paul says we loved you so much.
• Minister’s Heart: For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children, encouraging, comforting, and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 1 Thes 2:11-12 – Paul had the Father’s heart
• Minister’s Longing: But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.  1 Thess 2:17 – Paul was sad when he was forcibly separated from the church.