AS A NURSE CHERISHETH HER CHILDREN

The record of Paul’s preaching in Thessalonica and his prema­ture exit from the city is detailed in Acts chapter 17 verses 1-10. There, we learn that three classes of people responded to the gospel message. There was a great multitude of devout Greeks, some Jews and, of the chief women, not a few. This disparate mix of cultural, social and national humanity had one unifying link: they all ‘turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God’, 1 Thess. 1. 9. Although he was probably in Thessalonica longer than just three weeks, it was with great reluctance that Paul had to leave them sooner than he wished.

In today’s reading the apostle uses three different expres­sions to describe his associations with this fledgling church. In verse 1, he calls them ‘brethren’, thus emphasizing his relation­ship to them. In verse 7, he uses the simile of a nurse, or nursing mother, which would indicate his regard for these young con­verts. Finally, in verse 11, he likens himself to a father, thereby showing his responsibility towards them.

In verses 1-12, Paul reminds the Thessalonians of his con­duct, and of those with him, towards them whilst they were in their city. Firstly, in verses 1, 2, he describes the manner of their arrival. Despite the afflictions they had suffered in Philippi and the hostility encountered on reaching Thessalonica, they were bold to speak the gospel of God. Paul hadn’t gone there to enter­tain but to evangelize.

Then, in verses 3-6, Paul tells them of their motives for preaching. It was free of deceit and guile, v. 3, and aimed at pleasing God not appeasing men, v. 4. They never used flattery nor pretended to be something they weren’t, v. 5, and were not motivated by financial inducement, v. 6.

Finally, in verses 7-12the apostle outlines their methods. As a mother lovingly cares for her infant child, they showed the same tender care for the Thessalonians, v. 7. Their yearning for these young believers was such that they were prepared to die for them, v. 8. Rather than be burdensome, they laboured night and day to be self sufficient, vv. 9, 10, and they sought to encourage and exhort them, vv. 11, 12.