The Servant’s Commitment. 1st Thessalonians 2:9 The word "brethren" is mentioned 23 times in these epistles to the Thessalonians, showing there is an example to follow in caring for new believers. A brother is "family," as well as an instructor and a fellow worker with whom we share our lives during this time of conflict. The growth and warmth of the brethren should define the atmosphere of the assembly. We need to see new believers the way God does and be honest with them. It doesn't help or fool anyone if we try to act perfect before them and pretend to be sanctimonious [Phil.3:12].
"Brethren" is a word that signifies there are special family bonds formed by sharing the same Father. Brethren can be relied upon for help when unexpected needs arise that we cannot control, nor can we meet those needs on our own. Brothers in Christ guide each other in areas of their personal expertise. They share work and, at times, defend one another when outside opposition threatens the family circle. Though brothers may have differences of opinion, in the end, they are there to lift each other up when one is down. We protect and support each other because we share spiritual nature and heritage rooted in the eternal life our Father has given us. Friends and brothers are different, but when both are true of us, we remain close and connected because we bear the same name, Christian, and share the same heavenly Father.
Paul supported himself in Thessalonica so that no one could accuse him of profiting from preaching the Gospel. Greeks believed manual labor was beneath them and had slaves perform such work and make provisions. However, Paul was not ashamed to do hard work that tired him to meet his needs and to demonstrate that his ministry was driven by a sincere and selfless desire to help others. He did not preach the Gospel to gain personal wealth or status.
Those who preach the Gospel for financial profit have made many people think and say the evangelists are “in it for the money.” They have a legitimate reason to be skeptical of the message and despise those who appeal for funds “to keep this ministry going.” Every believer has the responsibility to reach out in compassion and grace to those they know with the good news of salvation. Honest physical labor to meet our financial needs is not condemned in Scripture.
It was customary for Jewish fathers to circumcise their sons, teach them the law, and train them in a trade. Paul’s father would have done this for him as part of preparing him for life. Although the scripture doesn’t specify what Silas and Timothy did, the words “our” and “we” suggest they were also self-supporting. This example of a father’s role in the family would have been helpful to the Thessalonians, who took the Gospel message to other places.
When sharing the Gospel in other places, the main focus is on what we can give to others of eternal value, not what we receive. The return on investing time, effort, and money is that God's Gospel is preached. Those who preach the Gospel are evangelists reaching out to those in their sins, ministering to them like shepherds who care for their sheep and as teachers who share instruction and wisdom with those the Lord saves.