“You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe…“
The manner in which the gospel team conducted their ministry at Thessalonica is another indication of their selfless service.
You are witnesses,
The Thessalonians were witnesses as to the conduct of the gospel team. They saw how Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy carried out their ministry.
and God also,
Another witness to the way the gospel team conducted their ministry was God Himself. What Paul writes is no exaggeration or hyperbole, for God knows even our motives.
how devoutly
The gospel moved into Thessalonica through people who had pure lives, free from evil conduct, and yielded to God’s will. They lived their lives in a manner pleasing God. Their life had the stamp of God on it. They lived in such a way that God’s impact on them was evident both to the Thessalonians and to God. Their lives manifested more than mere mortal qualities. The team was clearly faithful to God.
“…but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, because it is written, ‘Be holy, for I am holy‘” (1 Peter 1:15-16).
Principle:
Our integrity must be toward God.
Application:
The term “devoutly” reflects an orientation toward God. The men who came with the gospel set themselves apart for God. They were His exclusively. As a wife wants her husband for herself alone, so God wants us exclusively for Himself. A wife does not want to share her husband with other women, and God does not want to share our devotion with other gods.
The Lord Jesus demands our all. He is our Lord, as well as our Savior. God weighs us by our devotion to Him, not by what we do for Him.
“Who shall not fear You, O Lord, and glorify Your name?
For You alone are holy.
For all nations shall come and worship before You,
For Your judgments have been manifested” (Revelation 15:4).
