Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary 1 Thessalonians 2:5

"For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness, God is witness;" — 1 Thessalonians 2:5 (ASV)

In the first of three denials, Paul calls his readers to verify his complete abstinence from any type of “flattery” (GK 3135)—the insidious practice of saying nice things in order to gain influence over others for selfish reasons. Paul wants them to confirm that he was never guilty of this practice.

Second, he denies putting on the kind of mask that “greed” (GK 4432) would wear. The greed of which he was accused includes more than just avarice or love of money. It denotes self-seeking of all types, a quest for anything that brings self-satisfaction. It grows out of complete disinterest in the rights of others—an attitude foreign to Paul and his helpers. Only God can verify inner freedom from greed, so Paul calls on God as witness.

Third, Paul disavows the desire for “praise [GK 1518] from men” (v.6). The world of Paul’s time was filled with wandering philosophers, prophets of other religions, magicians, false prophets, and others seeking not only financial gain, but also the prestige of a good reputation. Divine approval (cf. v.4), not public esteem, was what motivated Paul and his companions.

Grammatically, it is best to see “as apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you” as completing the sense of v.6, and it should begin with the word “although.” The word “apostles” (GK 693) is used here in its nontechnical sense (see comments on Ro 16:7; Galatians 1:1), and the word “burden” (GK 983) has primary reference to apostolic dignity. Paul, Silas, and Timothy could legitimately have claimed the dignity associated with their apostolic office. The important position of Paul and his colleagues as Christ’s representatives earned for them the right to receive special respect, but they did not stand on this right. So this is further evidence that they were not prompted by lower motives.