I once overheard a great scholar and a famous pastor arguing about whether Paul was a pastor. Sparks flew from under the door at an office at Cambridge University in England. Both vociferously made their respective cases, trying to convince the other.
This chapter offers evidence that Paul was a pastor. Notice his motives and methods in presenting the gospel. Paul and his companions did not flatter or seek to please the Thessalonians. Nor did they ask the Thessalonians for anything. Instead, Paul offered the gospel like a nursing mother offering life with food. Like a father, he encouraged the Thessalonian believers.
Recently, one of our sisters from China said she had nicknamed me “Moosh,” and explained this is the word for shepherd. Pastor Paul, the Apostle, wrote this letter because he cared for the people like a shepherd cares for sheep. As in his letter to the Philippians (4:1), he sees the disciples in Thessalonica as eternal confirmation of his ministry. He will answer for their souls. They are his hope, joy, crown, and glory as he anticipates meeting the Lord in heaven. Only a pastor would write those words.
Thinking back over forty-one years of ministry, I think I know what Paul means. At the end of the day, our ministries are written on the tablets of lives, not on printed paper, or in bricks and mortar. Pastors give account for souls. We proclaim the gospel to ourselves and others, in hope that we will be transformed by grace. In the end, our lives are not measured by our wealth, our homes, our cars, or our clothes, but by the lives of the people we have led to become disciples of Jesus.
