Quarantine Epistle 236

Fatherhood. 1 Thessalonians 2:11-12.

Dear Holy Nation, 

We saw earlier how Paul and his companions were gentle with the Thessalonians, like a nursing mother with her children (v. 7). Now Paul uses the metaphor of a father.

Paternity (v. 11).In likening themselves to a father, Paul and his companions are provoking in the readers a familiar image. Every community has a father role. The father is a parent like a mother, but playing a different role. While a father may and should be gentle, this is a quality easier associated with the mother. The father should be the personification of provision and protection, and this is all part of the communication of what Paul and his companions were, but Paul is thinking of a different role that he and the others played. 

 Pressure (v. 12). The verbs used here exhorted, encouraged, entreated (charged) all have to do with urging or spurring another to action. A father is and should be the motivating force in a child. He should push the child to excellence, or at the very least, that the child should follow his example. It should be the norm for every child to say, “When I grow up, I want to be like my father.” There is no greater declaration of the failure of a father than for a child to say, “I never want to be reminded of my father and I do not want ever to be like him.”Paul and his companions encouraged the Thessalonians to do what they too were doing – living lives “worthy of God.” This simply means that their lives would reflect the character of God and honor him, rather than bring shame to his name. 
This is because God has called the believers to belong to, and participate in, his kingdom and glory.  They should play the part and not be found wanting.
If you are a prince, do not behave like an outlaw! 

Your Loving Pastor Chris.