Bible Strands
1 Thessalonians 2:6
Nor did we seek praise from you or from anyone else, although as apostles of Christ we had authority to demand it.
Berean Standard Bible
Follow its threads on the canvas →
Study note
Setting — Paul writes to the Thessalonian church, recounting his conduct during his recent missionary visit to the city.
The words — ζητοῦντες (zētountes) = seeking, and δόξαν (doxan) = glory or praise. These terms mark the apostolic refusal to pursue human acclaim.
The thread — The refusal to pursue human approval runs parallel to Galatians 1:10 and Jesus’ statements in John 5:41 and John 5:44 against accepting glory from men instead of God.
Why it lands — The text states that the apostles possessed the right to demand honor but voluntarily chose not to seek it from people. A reader must acknowledge that spiritual authority can be exercised without leveraging it for personal validation.
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
Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
Cross-references
- Galatians 1:10 Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.
- John 5:44 How can you believe if you accept glory from one another, yet do not seek the glory that comes from the only God?
- John 5:41 I do not accept glory from men,
- 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Surely you recall, brothers, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
- Philemon 1:8 So although in Christ I am bold enough to order you to do what is proper,
- 2 Corinthians 10:1 Now by the mildness and gentleness of Christ, I appeal to you—I, Paul, who am humble when face to face with you, but bold when away.
- 2 Corinthians 13:10 This is why I write these things while absent, so that when I am present I will not need to be severe in my use of the authority that the Lord gave me for building you up, not for tearing you down.
- Galatians 5:26 Let us not become conceited, provoking and envying one another.
- 1 Timothy 5:17 Elders who lead effectively are worthy of double honor, especially those who work hard at preaching and teaching.
- Esther 1:4 And for a full 180 days he displayed the glorious riches of his kingdom and the magnificent splendor of his greatness.