God allowed Paul to proclaim for future generations desiring to build their churches that he was a “wise master builder” (I Cor. 3:10), and that he was “innocent of the blood of all men” (Acts 20:26).  We should all pay close attention to the characteristics and methods of his ministry (II Tim. 3:16-17).

1.  The Apostle’s Method and Message (Acts 17:3).  He was “explaining and demonstrating” (“opening (KJV) and “alleging;” “explaining (NIV)] and proving”) the Word!  “Explaining” is Greek dianoigo, which means to “open” (Mark 7:34-35; Lk. 24:31, 32, 45; Acts 16:14; cf. it gives understanding to the simple (Ps. 119:130).  “Demonstrating” (paratithemenos) = to place alongside, to set before, to give evidence to prove something is true (Mt. 13:24; Acts 16:34; I Cor. 10:27).  His Message (Acts 17:3).  “That Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead; and that this Jesus, who I preach unto you, is Christ” (Acts 17:3; Heb. 9:7).  It was necessary that He be raised from the dead to affirm our justification (Rom. 4:25).  The conclusion:  Jesus was King (Acts 17:7).

2.  The Apostle’s Strength and Boldness (I Thess. 1:5a; 2:1; I Cor. 2:4-5).  He relied on “the Spirit” and the “power of God” (I Cor. 2:4-5).  Thus, his coming to them “was not in vain” (I Thess. 2:1), for they “became followers of us and the Lord” (I Thess. 2:6).  He was “bold” (I Thess. 2:2), in “much conflict,” and they “received the word in much affliction…” (I Thess. 1:6), but “graceful” (Col. 4:6).

3.  The Apostle’s Motive and Integrity (I Thess. 2:3-6).  “To please God, not men,” was an apostolic maxim (Acts 4:19; 5:29; Gal. 1:10).  Even when some would twist his meanings, he was still preaching for their strengthening.  God know, and that was all that mattered (II Cor. 12:19).  His Integrity (I Thess. 2:5-6).  He was “approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.”  He did not use “flattering words” (Rom. 16:17-18; Jude 16; cf. Ps. 5:9; 12:2-3; Prov. 29:5), and did not preach for “greed” (covetousness) or “glory.”  He avoided making “demands” (being “burdensome”) which, as an apostle, he was fully entitled to do (I Cor. 9:3-11).

4.  The Apostle’s Manner and Sacrifice (I Thess. 2:7-8).  Gentle as Christ (Matt. 12:20).  “Cherishes” is Greek thalpo, “to warm, foster, or nourish” (cf. Deut. 22:6 of a bird warming her eggs: and Eph. 5:29).  He was “affectionately longing” for them (2:8).  His Sacrifice (I Thess. 2:9).  “Laboring night and day [he] preached…the gospel of God” (cf. II Cor. 12:15).

5.  The Apostle’s Goal in Exhortation (I Thess. 2:10-12).  That they:  “Walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.”

6.  The Apostle’s Exalted View of Scripture (I Thess. 2:13; cf. Col. 3:16; Heb. 4:12).  It “effectively works in you who believe.”  Only Scripture is powerful enough (John 6:63; Heb. 4:12; cf. Ps. 33:6, 9) to change them, through the Spirit’s power into the image of God (II Cor. 3:18).