Gospel-centered Motivation

These verses review Paul's ministry in Thessalonica. Although Paul was thankful that the believers there were aware of the conduct he had displayed when he had ministered among them, there is a polemical undertone to this passage. It appears that Paul was responding to certain doubts or criticisms implied or levied against him. He implicitly defended the source, style, substance, and success of his gospel ministry among them. At the same time, by recalling the work he and his companions had done there, he gave the Thessalonians a pattern of his loving service.