1 Thessalonians 2:4 “Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the go…”

1 Thessalonians 2:4

Instead, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, not in order to please men but God, who examines our hearts.

Berean Standard Bible

Other translations

King James Version

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

World English Bible

But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak—not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.

American Standard Version

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.

Geneva Bible 1599

But as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel should be committed vnto vs, so we speake, not as they that please men, but God, which approoueth our hearts.

Darby Translation

but even as we have been approved of God to have the glad tidings entrusted to us, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts.

Young's Literal Translation

but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the good news, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who is proving our hearts,

Bible in Basic English

But even as the good news was given to us by the approval of God, so we give it out; not as pleasing men, but God by whom our hearts are tested.

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Cross references

“as we”

Ephesians 3:8 1 Timothy 1:11–13 1 Corinthians 7:25

Ephesians 3:8 · BSB

Though I am less than the least of all the saints, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ,

1 Timothy 1:11–13 · BSB

that agrees with the glorious gospel of the blessed God, with which I have been entrusted.

1 Corinthians 7:25 · BSB

Now about virgins, I have no command from the Lord, but I give a judgment as one who by the Lord’s mercy is trustworthy.

“to be”

Galatians 2:7 2 Timothy 1:14 Titus 1:3 Luke 16:11 1 Corinthians 9:17 Luke 12:42

Galatians 2:7 · BSB

On the contrary, they saw that I had been entrusted to preach the gospel to the uncircumcised, just as Peter had been to the circumcised.

2 Timothy 1:14 · BSB

Guard the treasure entrusted to you, with the help of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us.

Titus 1:3 · BSB

In His own time He has made His word evident in the proclamation entrusted to me by the command of God our Savior.

Luke 16:11 · BSB

So if you have not been faithful with worldly wealth, who will entrust you with true riches?

1 Corinthians 9:17 · BSB

If my preaching is voluntary, I have a reward. But if it is not voluntary, I am still entrusted with a responsibility.

Luke 12:42 · BSB

And the Lord answered, “Who then is the faithful and wise manager, whom the master puts in charge of his servants to give them their portion at the proper time?

“not”

Galatians 1:10 2 Corinthians 4:2 Ephesians 6:6 2 Corinthians 5:11 Colossians 3:22 2 Corinthians 5:16

Galatians 1:10 · BSB

Am I now seeking the approval of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a servant of Christ.

2 Corinthians 4:2 · BSB

Instead, we have renounced secret and shameful ways. We do not practice deceit, nor do we distort the word of God. On the contrary, by open proclamation of the truth, we commend ourselves to every man’s conscience in the…

Ephesians 6:6 · BSB

And do this not only to please them while they are watching, but as servants of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.

2 Corinthians 5:11 · BSB

Therefore, since we know what it means to fear the Lord, we try to persuade men. What we are is clear to God, and I hope it is clear to your conscience as well.

Colossians 3:22 · BSB

Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything, not only to please them while they are watching, but with sincerity of heart and fear of the Lord.

2 Corinthians 5:16 · BSB

So from now on we regard no one according to the flesh. Although we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.

“but God”

Romans 8:27 Psalm 17:3 1 Chronicles 29:17 Jeremiah 32:19 Numbers 27:16 1 Kings 8:39

Romans 8:27 · BSB

And He who searches our hearts knows the mind of the Spirit, because the Spirit intercedes for the saints according to the will of God.

Psalm 17:3 · BSB

You have tried my heart; You have visited me in the night. You have tested me and found no evil; I have resolved not to sin with my mouth.

1 Chronicles 29:17 · BSB

I know, my God, that You test the heart and delight in uprightness. All these things I have given willingly and with an upright heart, and now I have seen Your people who are present here giving joyfully and willingly to…

Jeremiah 32:19 · BSB

the One great in counsel and mighty in deed, whose eyes are on all the ways of the sons of men, to reward each one according to his ways and according to the fruit of his deeds.

Numbers 27:16 · BSB

“May the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the congregation

1 Kings 8:39 · BSB

be heard by You from heaven, Your dwelling place. And may You forgive and act, and repay each man according to all his ways, since You know his heart—for You alone know the hearts of all men—

Cross references adapted from OpenBible.info (CC BY 4.0) and the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.

In context

3For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery.

5As you know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness!

Read 1 Thessalonians 2