We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but our own lives as well. That is how beloved you have become to us.
Parallel translations
- WEB Even so, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you, not the Good News of God only, but also our own souls, because you had become very dear to us.
- KJV So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
- NKJV So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.
- NASB in the same way we had a fond affection for you and were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us.
- NLT We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News but our own lives, too.
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 loved them so much he shared not only the gospel but his very life. True ministry gives itself away, not just its message.
Overview
His affection was so deep that he gladly imparted both the gospel and his "own souls"—his whole self—to them. The Thessalonians had become dear to him, so love compelled sacrificial investment. This models the incarnational pattern of love that does not merely deliver truth but pours out the life of the one who brings it, as Christ did.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 22
- 1 Jn 3:16By this we know what love is: Jesus laid down His life for us, and we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers.
- 2 Cor 12:15And for the sake of your souls, I will most gladly spend my money and myself. If I love you more, will you love me less?
- Phil 2:17But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering on the sacrifice and service of your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.
- Rom 1:11–12For I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to strengthen you,
- Phil 4:1Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, that is how you must stand firm in the Lord, my beloved.
- Heb 13:17Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they watch over your souls as those who must give an account. To this end, allow them to lead with joy and not with grief, for that would be of no advantage to you.
- Gal 4:19My children, for whom I am again in the pains of childbirth until Christ is formed in you,
- 2 Cor 6:1As God’s fellow workers, then, we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain.
- Phil 2:25–26But I thought it necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, fellow worker, and fellow soldier, who is also your messenger and minister to my needs.
- Phil 2:20I have nobody else like him who will genuinely care for your needs.
- Phlm 1:1Paul, a prisoner of Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker,
- Col 1:28We proclaim Him, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present everyone perfect in Christ.
- Col 4:12Epaphras, who is one of you and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends you greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you, so that you may stand mature and fully assured in the full will of God.
- Jer 13:15–17Listen and give heed. Do not be arrogant, for the LORD has spoken.
- Rom 9:1–3I speak the truth in Christ; I am not lying, as confirmed by my conscience in the Holy Spirit.
- Rom 10:1Brothers, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is for their salvation.
- Rom 15:29I know that when I come to you, I will come in the fullness of the blessing of Christ.
- Col 1:7You learned it from Epaphras, our beloved fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
- 2 Cor 6:11–13We have spoken freely to you, Corinthians. Our hearts are open wide.
- Luke 7:2There a highly valued servant of a centurion was sick and about to die.
- Phil 1:8God is my witness how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus.
- Acts 20:23–24I only know that in town after town the Holy Spirit warns me that chains and afflictions await me.
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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 2:8 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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