1 Thessalonians 2:1-12
In Thessalonica there was a double question lingering in the air—“(1) Was Paul an authentic gospel messenger, and (2) had the Thessalonians really received the authentic gospel message?” In Chapter 1, Paul pastored the Thessalonians by answering—“Here is how you can know if you’ve received the authentic gospel message.” With that question answered Paul continues in Chapter 2 to shepherd these Believers by answering the other question still lingering in the air—“How can I know if I’m being pastored by an authentic gospel messenger?” Just like last week, this is where these verses talk to us today. They show us not only how a pastor is to act but also give us assurance that we are being led by an authentic gospel messenger.