Devine Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2:3

What does 1 Thessalonians 2:3 mean?

A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 2:3 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.

What 1 Thessalonians 2:3 means

Paul clarifies the nature of their “exhortation”—their appeal to believe and live the Gospel. It did not arise from “error” (false teaching), “uncleanness” (impure motives or moral corruption), or “guile” (deceitful methods). In a world where traveling teachers often sought money, pleasure, or fame, the apostles’ message and manner were different. They were not peddlers of novelty or manipulators of emotions. By denying these common abuses, Paul highlights the moral and doctrinal integrity that ought to accompany the Gospel. Truth should be delivered truthfully, and holy news by holy messengers. Their appeal’s source and method were consistent with the God whose Gospel they proclaimed.

Parallel translations

WEB

World English Bible · 2000

For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

KJV

King James Version · 1611

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

ASV

American Standard Version · 1901

For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

BBE

Bible in Basic English · 1949

For our witness does not come from error or from an unclean heart or from deceit:

YLT

Young's Literal Translation · 1862

for our exhortation <FI>is<Fi> not out of deceit, nor out of uncleanness, nor in guile,

DRA

Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752

For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit.

DBY

Darby Bible · 1890

For our exhortation [was] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;

Context

After recalling boldness amid suffering (v. 2), Paul now defends the purity of their message and methods (v. 3). He negates three charges—falsehood, impurity, deceit—to clear the ground for a positive explanation in verses 4–6: they ministered as those entrusted by God, seeking to please Him rather than people. This contrast between corrupt motives and God-pleasing service is central to the chapter’s theme of integrity. It assures the Thessalonians that their faith rests on God’s truth, not on human trickery.

v.2but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we waxed bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much conflict.

v.3This passage

v.4but even as we have been approved of God to be intrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who proveth our hearts.

Cross references

Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

  • Acts 20:33

    I coveted no man’s silver, or gold, or apparel.

  • 2 Thessalonians 2:11

    And for this cause God sendeth them a working of error, that they should believe a lie:

  • 2 Corinthians 11:13

    For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, fashioning themselves into apostles of Christ.

  • 2 Peter 1:16

    For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known unto you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.

  • 1 Thessalonians 4:1

    Finally then, brethren, we beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as ye received of us how ye ought to walk and to please God, even as ye do walk,—that ye abound more and more.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:11

    as ye know how we dealt with each one of you, as a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging you, and testifying,

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