For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
Parallel translations
- WEB For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deception.
- KJV For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
- BSB For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.
- NASB For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;
- NLT So you can see we were not preaching with any deceit or impure motives or trickery.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul's preaching sprang from no error, impure motive, or trickery. His message and methods were honest and pure.
Overview
Paul distinguishes his ministry from that of manipulative wandering teachers common in the ancient world. His appeal was free of doctrinal error, moral impurity, and deceitful manipulation. This integrity authenticates the gospel, for the truth of God does not advance by trickery.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 15
- 2 Cor 4:2But we have renounced the hidden things of shame, not walking in craftiness, nor handling the word of God deceitfully; but by the manifestation of the truth commending ourselves to every man’s conscience in the sight of God.
- 2 Cor 2:17For we are not as so many, peddling the word of God. But as of sincerity, but as of God, in the sight of God, we speak in Christ.
- 1 Th 4:7For God called us not for uncleanness, but in sanctification.
- 1 Th 2:5–6For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),
- 2 Cor 12:16–18But be it so, I did not myself burden you. But, being crafty, I caught you with deception.
- 2 Cor 7:2Open your hearts to us. We wronged no one. We corrupted no one. We took advantage of no one.
- 1 Sam 12:3Here I am. Witness against me before Yahweh, and before his anointed. Whose ox have I taken? Whose donkey have I taken? Whom have I defrauded? Whom have I oppressed? Of whose hand have I taken a ransom to make me blind my eyes? I will restore it to you.”
- 2 Cor 4:5For we don’t preach ourselves, but Christ Jesus as Lord, and ourselves as your servants for Jesus’ sake;
- 2 Pet 1:16For we did not follow cunningly devised fables, when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of his majesty.
- Num 16:15Moses was very angry, and said to Yahweh, “Don’t respect their offering. I have not taken one donkey from them, neither have I hurt one of them.”
- Acts 20:33–34I coveted no one’s silver, or gold, or clothing.
- 2 Cor 11:13For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as Christ’s apostles.
- 1 Th 2:11As you know, we exhorted, comforted, and implored every one of you, as a father does his own children,
- 2 Th 2:11Because of this, God sends them a working of error, that they should believe a lie;
- 1 Th 4:1–2Finally then, brothers, we beg and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, that you abound more and more.
Themes, concepts, people & topics
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Christ at the center
The believer waits for God's Son from heaven, Jesus who delivers from the wrath to come and who will return to gather his people to himself.
How 1 Thessalonians 2:3 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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