[9] For you remember, brothers, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God. [10] You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless was our conduct toward you believers. [11] For you know how, like a father with his children, [12] we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to walk in a manner worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. (ESV)
1 Thessalonians 2:9 -12 ESV
In the previous passage, we saw that Paul and his traveling companions had come to the Thessalonians sincerely. He explained their motives. Paul said they were gentle, like a mother with her newborn. In this passage he continues to remind his readers in what manner they approached them. They "worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you..." (v.9) Did they really work "night and day?" Looking at the accounts of Paul's ministry in Acts 18-19, it appears so. They preached the gospel to many willing listeners, but also had to contend with opposition from some of the Jews in the area. There were many factors contributing to their ministry in Thessalonica. They did not want to "be a burden" to them. He already said that because they were apostles of Christ, they could have made some "demands" of them (v.6). But they did not. What did they do then? How were their needs met? It could have been through their work as tent makers. In Acts 18:3 we learn that Paul did this kind of work with Priscilla and Aquilla. Perhaps Paul had joined some tentmakers in Thessalonica and was able to earn some wages. Also, it seems he took whatever opportunities to preach and teach the gospel that came up. Whatever Paul may be referring to here, he is reminding his readers of something they saw themselves- they saw that Paul and his companions labored hard and were not a burden to them.
They worked hard while they "proclaimed the gospel of God" to them. (v.9) What is the gospel? I have written on this here, https://sprlpsrn.blogspot.com/2011/11/gospel.html, back in November 2011. But let's review here. The word "gospel" comes from a Greek word that means "good news." The message contained in the good news at it's most basic form is as follows. Jesus was born. He was really a human being, but was also God. He lived a perfect life, that is, He never sinned. He was crucified and died a real death on a cross. He was buried in a real tomb that was sealed by a stone. On the third day, He literally, physically rose from the dead. Hundreds of people saw Him after He had risen. Those who follow Him proclaim these truths. All who believe are saved. Paul and his companions labored and toiled to bring this message to as many people as they could.
He calls it the gospel "of God." He has called it "my gospel," as well in other places (Rom 2:16, Rom 16:25, 2 Tim 2:8). It is very personal to him. But he uses the term "gospel of God" a few other times as well. (Rom 1:1, Rom 15:16, and in this chapter of 1 Thess a few times). It is also called this in Mark 1:14 and 1 Pet 4:17. Why is it God's gospel (good news)? Because it is the message of God's work to save men. It is God's work through the 2nd person of the Trinity, Jesus. It is God's power on display. It is God who draws people to this message. It is God who receives the glory in this message and in His saving of sinners who believe. Thus it is the "gospel of God."
Paul again reminds the Thessalonians of his conduct toward them (v.10-12) Paul and his fellow travelers were "holy and righteous and blameless" toward the believers there. They treated them like a father does his children. They "exhorted" and "encouraged" them to live lives "in a manner worthy of God." When I read this, I see them encouraging the believers to be like Paul and his friends. They had been holy and blameless and were not burdens to them. They are persuading the Thessalonians to do the same. He also reminds them that God "calls you into his own kingdom and glory." (v.12) The message preached is from God. God uses the message and Paul's ministry to call people to Himself.
In the next section we will see Paul continue to encourage them. For now, remember...God is sovereign!