Redeem the Time

This may be the oldest letter in the New Testament, written before the Gospels and yet long enough after the death and resurrection of Jesus that people are starting to doubt their faith. Another issue that troubled people whose faith may have been weakened by the delay in Jesus’ return was the many traveling preachers who were out for personal gain.
Paul feels the need to distinguish between self-serving ministers and a true apostle. The word apostle helps us understand the distinction. It means “one who is sent out with a mission and a message.” Through many examples, Paul reassures the Thessalonians that he is a genuine apostle. He has not personally profited by his preaching. In fact, it has caused him considerable harm. Leading a committed Christian life is not necessarily easy. Often it involves sacrifice and suffering. Paul’s lifestyle and experience certainly bear witness to that fact. He mentions three characteristics of the true apostle: (1) courage to proclaim the gospel of God; (2) integrity, acting without “deceit or impure motives or trickery” (including greed); (3) the distinctive relationship of apostle to convert: “like a nurse caring for her own children.” This deep care leads to a vulnerability between Paul and those to whom he has proclaimed the gospel of God.
For Paul, the costs are well worth the effort. He and his companions have shared “our own selves.” He does not chronicle the results of their efforts, but he notes that ”our coming to you was not in vain.” Paul cares deeply for this young congregation, even though they are a far distance apart and can only hope to see one another rarely: “You have become very dear to us.”