Being an authentic messenger of the gospel is essential to it being received in the world. It is important that the messengers of the gospel be authentic. He says at the end of 1 Thessalonians 1:5,
You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.Now that is interesting, because it makes it obvious that Paul had become personally involved in the lives of the people to whom he brought the message. He can say here that they know very well his character and the spirit that animated his ministry. He ministered, he says,among you,so they could assess in his own life the credibility of his message.Now, we live in a time—certainly in America—when increasing percentages of Christians attend churches that are so large that few of the members can ever have any personal contact at all with their spiritual leaders. Many other Christians depend on media personalities whom they may never meet in the flesh. Now, when such preachers are faithfully proclaiming God’s Word, to be sure, much good will take place. But I think we see here and throughout the New Testament that a more biblical model involves heralds of the gospel who are known personally by those to whom they are preaching. Christian leaders are never going to be perfect. They are not themselves Christ. But there should be, Paul says, a general correspondence between the men who are ministering the gospel and the lives that they themselves are leading. And the people ought to know them well enough to see that that is the case. Now moreover, it should be obvious that ministers are motivated not for personal gain. Paul again, in 1 Thessalonians 1:5, says,
Richard D. PhillipsIt was for your sake.How important it is that members of the church and believers really believe and have experienced that this is not for personal pride or aggrandizement but for your well-being.1
5 because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.