Paul wrote the Christians in Thessalonica to exhort them with the gospel of Christ. His initial visit in Thessalonica came in spite of the danger which his ministry left him in, a danger which led to their mistreatment and imprisonment in Philippi (cf. Acts 16). They would have been aware of that, as the beating of Paul and Silas would have been very recent.
So, it was evident that Paul had love for the faithful in Thessalonica.
How did Paul characterize his exhortation to them? It was not from error, uncleanness, or deceit. It was in response to the stewardship given him by God. It was not an attempt to flatter, or to gain an advantage. It was not to gain glory from men, not even from the Thessalonians themselves. It was not a usurpation of his authority as an apostle, a means of gaining any advantage. It was a gentle exhortation, the type a mother would have for a small child.
Paul’s motivation and actions were always pure as an apostle. His concern was the spiritual welfare of his brethren.
