ἀλλὰ καθὼς δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον, οὕτω λαλοῦμεν, οὐχ ὡς ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκοντες, ἀλλὰ Θεῷ τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν. (1 Thessalonians 2:4)
When Approval Comes from Above
In 1 Thessalonians 2:4, Paul offers a powerful theological principle: Gospel ministry is not performed to win human favor, but to remain faithful to the God who tests hearts. The Greek grammar provides a compact but potent theological and ethical structure, using perfect passive participles, infinitives of purpose, and contrasting clauses that clarify intent.
Let’s unpack how the language of divine approval and human responsibility is expressed in this verse.
1. Divine Approval: καθὼς δεδοκιμάσμεθα ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ
- καθὼς – “just as,” introducing a comparison or standard
- δεδοκιμάσμεθα – Perfect Passive Indicative, 1st Person Plural of δοκιμάζω, “to approve,” “to test and find worthy”
- ὑπὸ τοῦ Θεοῦ – “by God,” indicating divine agency
The perfect passive indicates a completed past action with continuing results:
“We have been approved by God and still stand approved.”
This anchors Paul’s authority not in human credentials but divine examination.
2. Infinitive of Purpose: πιστευθῆναι τὸ εὐαγγέλιον
- πιστευθῆναι – Aorist Passive Infinitive of πιστεύω, “to be entrusted”
- τὸ εὐαγγέλιον – “the gospel,” accusative neuter singular
This infinitive follows δεδοκιμάσμεθα and explains the purpose or result of being approved:
“…to be entrusted with the gospel.”
The passive voice reflects the divine origin of the trust — this is not self-appointment.
3. Corresponding Main Verb: οὕτω λαλοῦμεν
- οὕτω – “so,” “in this manner,” referring back to the divine pattern
- λαλοῦμεν – Present Active Indicative, 1st Person Plural of λαλέω, “we speak”
Paul ties behavior to calling:
“So we speak…” — in accordance with the divine trust, not public opinion.
4. Contrastive Clauses: οὐχ ὡς … ἀλλὰ Θεῷ
This part lays out the ethical thrust:
- οὐχ ὡς ἀνθρώποις ἀρέσκοντες – “not as those seeking to please people”
- ἀλλὰ Θεῷ – “but [to] God”
The participle ἀρέσκοντες (present active participle, nominative masculine plural) modifies the implied subject. The contrast hinges on audience orientation:
“We do not speak to please people, but God.”
5. Final Modifier: τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν
- τῷ δοκιμάζοντι – Present Active Participle, Dative Masculine Singular of δοκιμάζω, “who tests”
- τὰς καρδίας ἡμῶν – “our hearts,” the inner lives of Paul and his companions
The present participle implies ongoing action:
“the God who continually tests our hearts.”
This reinforces that true accountability lies not with humans but with the One who knows all motives.
Summary of Structure
| Greek Phrase | Meaning |
|---|---|
| δεδοκιμάσμεθα … πιστευθῆναι | We have been approved to be entrusted |
| οὕτω λαλοῦμεν | So we speak |
| οὐχ … ἀλλὰ Θεῷ | Not to please people, but God |
| τῷ δοκιμάζοντι τὰς καρδίας | Who examines our hearts |
Speaking from Divine Approval
Paul’s grammar in 1 Thessalonians 2:4 reveals a ministry paradigm:
– Perfect Passive: Approval is not earned, but granted.
– Infinitive Purpose: The Gospel is entrusted, not invented.
– Present Action: Speech flows from divine accountability.
– Ethical Contrast: Pleasing God, not people, is the goal.
This is not rhetorical flourish — it is the sacred structure of Gospel commission.
We speak, not to be liked, but because we were entrusted by the God who knows our hearts.
