Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 2:5
As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian believers, defending his conduct during his recent time among them. He addresses their firsthand knowledge of his ministry while contrasting his motives with human approval.
The words — The Greek οὔτε ποτε (oute pote) translates to "never at any time," and ἐν λόγῳ κολακείας (en logō kolakeias) literally means "in word of flattery." These terms explicitly deny the use of deceptive speech or manipulative rhetoric to advance the gospel.
The thread — The appeal to divine witness mirrors Paul's claim in Romans 1:9, while the denial of greed aligns with his defense in 2 Corinthians 12:17 and Acts 20:33. These passages collectively document Paul's consistent refusal to exploit his ministry for material gain or human acclaim.
Why it lands — The text asserts that apostolic preaching must operate without coercive language or hidden financial agendas. It demands that readers evaluate spiritual leadership by its transparency and accountability to God rather than by persuasive delivery or personal profit.
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
King James Version
For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
Cross-references
- Romans 1:9 God, whom I serve with my spirit in preaching the gospel of His Son, is my witness how constantly I remember you
- 2 Corinthians 12:17 Did I exploit you by anyone I sent you?
- Acts 20:33 I have not coveted anyone’s silver or gold or clothing.
- Galatians 1:20 I assure you before God that what I am writing to you is no lie.
- 2 Peter 2:3 In their greed, these false teachers will exploit you with deceptive words. The longstanding verdict against them remains in force, and their destruction does not sleep.
- 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:10 You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you who believed.
- Titus 1:7 As God’s steward, an overseer must be above reproach—not self-willed, not quick-tempered, not given to drunkenness, not violent, not greedy for money.
- 1 Peter 5:2 Be shepherds of God’s flock that is among you, watching over them not out of compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not out of greed, but out of eagerness;
- 2 Peter 2:14 Their eyes are full of adultery; their desire for sin is never satisfied; they seduce the unstable. They are accursed children with hearts trained in greed.