1 Thessalonians 2:3

For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.

Berean Standard Bible

Study note

Setting — Paul addresses the Thessalonian believers immediately after recounting his suffering in Philippi and his bold proclamation of the gospel. He clarifies the nature of his ministry to them at a moment when their trust in his apostolic authority is being established.

The words — παράκλησις (paraklēsis) translates literally as "exhortation" or "appeal," and πλάνης (planēs) means "deceit" or "error." The text states the appeal does not originate from these sources.

The thread — This defense of apostolic integrity runs through 2 Corinthians 2:17 and 2 Corinthians 4:2, which contrast Paul's ministry with those who distort God's word for profit or conceal shameful methods. The theme also connects to 1 Thessalonians 4:7 regarding God's call to holiness over impurity.

Why it lands — The reader must examine whether their own persuasion or instruction relies on hidden agendas rather than transparent accountability. It demands a clear conscience before God who examines hearts.

Drafted by a language model from the text, its original words and its cross-references, then checked against them. It can still be wrong: open the verse in the app to report it.

The Greek words

ἡhē<the>γὰρgarFor παράκλησιςparaklēsisthe exhortation ἡμῶνhēmōnof us οὐκouk[is] not ἐκekof πλάνηςplanēserror οὐδὲoudenor ἐξexof ἀκαθαρσίαςakatharsiasimpurity οὐδὲoudenor ἐνenin δόλῳ·dolōtrickery;

King James Version

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

Cross-references

2 Corinthians 2:17 For we are not like so many others, who peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as men sent from God.
2 Corinthians 4:2 Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
1 Thessalonians 4:7 For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness.
1 Thessalonians 2:5 As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!
2 Corinthians 7:2 Make room for us in your hearts. We have wronged no one, we have corrupted no one, we have exploited no one.
2 Corinthians 12:16 Be that as it may, I was not a burden to you; but crafty as I am, I caught you by trickery.
Numbers 16:15 Then Moses became very angry and said to the LORD, “Do not regard their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them or mistreated a single one of them.”
1 Samuel 12:3 Here I am. Bear witness against me before the LORD and before His anointed: Whose ox or donkey have I taken? Whom have I cheated or oppressed? From whose hand have I accepted a bribe and closed my eyes? Tell me, and I will restore it to you.”
2 Corinthians 4:5 For we do not proclaim ourselves, but Jesus Christ as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake.
2 Peter 1:16 For we did not follow cleverly devised fables when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty.