Paul recognized that the acceptance of his exhortation was in part dependent upon acceptance of his person. He told the Thessalonians, “For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit” (1 Thessalonians 2:3). Walton Weaver in his commentary on this book I think had it right when he said that this verse in Paul’s writing had to do with motive. He basically states that he was not deceived (teaching error) nor did he seek to deceive. In addition he had no unclean motives in his teaching.
Paul was given his apostleship by God (cf. 2:4). He did not seek to please men, only God. So, the Thessalonians could accept and regard his teaching as pure.
Note that Paul stated this to make his exhortations effective, that they would be accepted by his readers. However, it is incumbent upon a child of God to accept exhortation, admonition or criticism regardless of who gives it, or their motivation.
When anyone speaks to us, our first and most important question should be, is what they sat valid? Regardless of motivation, slant, or personal integrity, is the criticism or exhortation just? If so, it should be accepted because our desire is only to be right!
“See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, 16 redeeming the time, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is.” (Ephesians 5:15-17).
