As we continue to read 1 Thessalonians 2, Paul changes his subject matter. Paul offers a sort of defense of who he is and what he taught them while he was there. Now although it is not stated directly it appears Paul and his message had been questioned even attacked. And these attacks would continue to be a common shot fired at Paul through out his ministry.
So, Paul point out 4 traits about himself and the work he has done among the Thessalonians.
First, Paul tells them “he has suffered his lumps”.
When he went on his first church building adventure, he was stoned and beaten. Acts 16 tells us. Paul was stripped naked and beaten with wooden rods, and placed in leg stocks at the bottom of a dungeon. This is just days before arriving in Thessalonica.
Second Paul states, he never had any hidden Agendas with them. He didn’t ask for money power or position. Instaed,
Paul is telling them that his ministry was not for his benefit. He had no hidden agenda of procuring power for himself. He was not after their money. Instead bringing the message of Jesus to the church at Thessalonica was indeed at great cost and difficulty and pain to Paul.
Thirdly, Paul reminds them of the way he shared the deeper levels of his heart with them.
Paul was Down to earth, he calls it “not aloof”. He never set himself up as more important, but rather as an equal of others, and most importantly he was happy to take others to the deeper levels of his heart. Finally, labels himself a patient nurturer. He reminds them how he was likea father holding their child’s hand, gently whispering encouragement and giving step by step instruction about life with God; living for God and serving him.