Paul cared for the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 2:8)

“So deeply

Do we care for you

That we are determined

To share with you

Not only the gospel of God

But also our own lives,

Because you have become

Beloved to us.”

οὕτως ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν εὐδοκοῦμεν μεταδοῦναι ὑμῖν οὐ μόνον τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς, διότι ἀγαπητοὶ ἡμῖν ἐγενήθητε.

Paul said, “So deeply do we care for you (οὕτως ὁμειρόμενοι ὑμῶν) that we are determined (εὐδοκοῦμεν) to share with you (μεταδοῦναι ὑμῖν) not only (οὐ μόνον) the gospel of God (τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ Θεοῦ) but also our own lives (ἀλλὰ καὶ τὰς ἑαυτῶν ψυχάς), because you have become beloved to us (διότι ἀγαπητοὶ ἡμῖν ἐγενήθητε).”  Only this letter to the Thessalonians used this unique word ὁμειρόμενοι, that means be affectionately desirous, desire earnestly, long for, or have a strong affection for.  Paul explained their great love and care for the Thessalonians.  They had decided not only to share the good news of Jesus Christ but also their own lives.  They really loved and cared for the people of Thessalonica.  They loved them so much that they were willing to put their own lives on the line for them.  How much do you love other people?