“Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ” (1 Thessalonians 2:6).
The Apostle Paul’s refusal to seek “…praise from anyone, either from you or from others” (GNT) should prompt us to consider how we might follow his humble example. For instance, one commentator highlights an interesting aspect of this passage with the following observation…
“Those who opposed the Good News tried to find some hidden motive to explain the unselfish dedication of the apostles. When obviously it was not power and money, they then said it must be to ‘get praise’ for themselves…” (1)
So why would others seek to discredit Paul in this manner? Well, Jesus offered one potential answer to that question in Matthew 10:24-25: “The student is not above the teacher, nor a servant above his master. It is enough for students to be like their teachers, and servants like their masters…” (NIV). With this in mind, consider the following responses to Jesus’ teachings and the opinions He likely provoked among some who heard Him speak…
Jesus was too radical: “From this time, many of his disciples turned back and no longer associated with him. Jesus therefore said to the twelve, ‘You do not want to leave me like the others, do you?'” (John 6:66-67 Mounce).
A commitment to Christ was too costly: “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33 NIV).
Following Jesus was too demanding: “…Go and sell all you have and give the money to the poor, and you will have riches in heaven; then come and follow me” (Matthew 19:21 GNB).
Jesus was too disruptive: “What shall we do? For this man works many signs. If we let Him alone like this, everyone will believe Him and the Romans will come and take away both our place and nation” (John 11:47-48).
Jesus’ way was too challenging “Enter by the narrow gate; for wide is the gate and broad is the way that leads to destruction, and there are many who go in by it. Because narrow is the gate and difficult is the way which leads to life, and there are few who find it” (Matthew 7:13-14).
If Paul could be discredited by the claim that he was seeking to glorify himself, it would relieve his listeners of their need to make a decision regarding Jesus and these kinds of difficult teachings. That may help explain why Paul issued the defense we find here in 1 Thessalonians 2:6.
(1) Ice, Rhoderick D. “Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 2:6”. “The Bible Study New Testament”. https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/ice/1-thessalonians-2.html