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1 Thessalonians 2:8 |
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So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
Note 11 at 1Th 2:8: According to this verse, Paul and his companions not only shared the message of the Gospel with the Thessalonians; they shared their own lives with them as well.
The word "souls," as used here, stands for the whole person, and the thought is that of giving oneself to another rather than merely imparting a message. Self-sacrifice and "AGAPE" love are the heart of all true ministry, and Paul gave himself to the Thessalonians as a parent sacrifices for his children.
The phrases "affectionately desirous" and "dear unto us" show Paul's willingness to openly proclaim his love not only in words but in deeds as well. 1Co 13:8 in the New International Version says, "Love never fails." No wonder Paul was so successful in his preaching of the Gospel.
