Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Thessalonians 2:4

"but 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." — 1 Thessalonians 2:4 (ASV)

Were allowed.—Rather, have been, and in 1 Thessalonians 2:3 is, not “was.” St. Paul is arguing from his habitual practice. “But we speak after the manner of men who remember that God Himself has tried them, and has been satisfied to entrust the gospel to them, making it our business to please, not men, but God who thus tries our hearts” (1 Corinthians 4:1–2).

The word translated “allowed” implies examining and approving (1 Timothy 3:10; 1 Peter 1:7; 1 John 4:1), and is repeated emphatically (translated “trieth”): “being examined and approved by God, we strive to please Him who constantly examines and approves us, not to court those to whom we are sent.” St. Paul expresses here, as elsewhere, a total disregard of men’s opinions about him (1 Corinthians 4:3; Galatians 1:10).