1 Thessalonians 2:9-12 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Ye remember, brethren, our labour In the ministerial work; and travail Μοχθον, toil, in our secular employment; for labouring night and day, &c. It seems they often took from the rest of the night the hours which during the day they had spent in the exercise of their ministry: because we would not be chargeable But might be able to maintain ourselves. The apostle often appealed to this proof of his disinterestedness. Indeed, in preaching the gospel, he had no view but to promote the glory of God, and the salvation of mankind. Ye are witnesses For our conduct was well known to you; and God also Who observes our most secret actions, desires, and designs; how holily Toward God, and in the things respecting his worship and service; and justly With regard to men; and unblameably In respect of ourselves; we behaved ourselves among you that believe Who were the constant observers of our behaviour. As ye know how With what earnestness, and diligence, and importunity; we exhorted, comforted, and charged every one of you As far as God gave us access to you. By exhorting, we are moved to do a thing willingly; by comforting, to do it joyfully; by charging, to do it carefully. As a father doth his children The apostle (1Th 2:7) compared the gentleness with which he behaved toward the Thessalonian believers to the tenderness of a nursing mother toward her sucking children. Here he compares the affection and earnestness with which he recommended holiness to them, to the affection and earnestness of a pious father, who exhorts his own children. That ye would walk worthy of God Conduct yourselves in such a manner as becomes those who know God, and profess to believe in, love, and serve him, and in a manner suitable to the relation in which it is your happiness to stand to him; who hath called you By his gospel and his grace; unto his kingdom here, and glory hereafter.