1 Thessalonians 2:1-2

Paul appealed to his readers to remember that his preaching had yielded positive results (cf. 1 Thessalonians 1:9). It had borne fruit in their lives. He had come to them having been persecuted for his preaching in Philippi, and he had received the same treatment in Thessalonica. Nevertheless he continued preaching boldly (Gr. parresiazomai), even though his message was not popular and might result in public abuse. Parresia, "boldness," is the opposite of kolakeia, "flattery" (1 Thessalonians 2:5). This is not the reaction of someone who seeks personal recognition or money. Such a person would move on quickly to a more profitable audience.