2:2 {2} But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in {a} our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
(2) The virtues of a true pastor are freely without fear to preach the Gospel, even in the midst of dangers.
(a) Through God's gracious help.
2:2 Were shamefully treated... at Philippi. See Ac 16:19-24. Even after such cruel treatment at the first place in Europe where they preached the gospel, they were no less
bold in... God to speak. the gospel at Thessalonica, the second place they labored, through
with much contention. With fierce opposition. See Ac 17:13.
2:2 We had suffered - In several places. We are bold - Notwithstanding. With much contention - Notwithstanding both inward and outward conflicts of all kinds.
2:1-6 The apostle had no wordly design in his preaching. Suffering in a good cause should sharpen holy resolution. The gospel of Christ at first met with much opposition; and it was preached with contention, with striving in preaching, and against opposition. And as the matter of the apostle's exhortation was true and pure, the manner of his speaking was without guile. The gospel of Christ is designed for mortifying corrupt affections, and that men may be brought under the power of faith. This is the great motive to sincerity, to consider that God not only sees all we do, but knows our thoughts afar off, and searches the heart. And it is from this God who trieth our hearts, that we must receive our reward. The evidences of the apostle's sincerity were, that he avoided flattery and covetousness. He avoided ambition and vain-glory.
