Paul wrote the Thessalonians from Corinth after Silas and Timothy came from Thessalonica with a report concerning the condition of the church. It was important in this early part of the book that Paul explained his motive to the young church for coming to the Thessalonians with his message in the first place. Was Paul looking to advance his career? Was Paul seeking monetary reward? Does Paul need friends and social affirmation? In the Thessalonian’s world of the first century philosophers and pagan religious leaders would move from town to town strategically looking for a place to peddle their thoughts, teaching and philosophy in order to collect a living from their followers. Paul tells the Thessalonians that he and his ministry team is not doing that.

In four verses (2:3-6) Paul tells the Thessalonians that “the appeal we make” comes from men God has entrusted with the Gospel and tested by God. Paul says:

1. Our message does not spring from error – this could refer to intentional error which would be deceit, or errors due to ignorance concerning the information presented.
2. Our appeal does not spring from impure motives – in context the “impure motives” would be ambition, pride, greed, popularity, etc.
3. We are not trying to trick you – “trick” is the Greek word dolos and refers to catching fish with bait. Dolos became a metaphor for “deceit” and “treachery.”
4. We are not trying to please people –
5. We never used flattery – Ministry is not about telling people what they want to hear so that
6. We did not put on a mask to cover up greed – Paul was not using the illusion of ministry and evangelism to start churches which would be a source of revenue
7. We are not looking for praise from people

Ministry’s source must be supplied by Truth, not deception.
Ministry motivation must be focused on helping the audience, not helping the presenter.
Ministry method must be upfront, and should not use tricks or misleading statements.

Images of Cherubim were part of the decor of Solomon's Temple. There were images made of wood and images sewn into the fabric inside the Temple. But, by the time of the New Testament in the first century Josephus wrote, "no one can tell what they were like." Archaeology has uncovered models, statues, images and engravings of cherub's as they were depicted in other cultures in the Old Testament world. Cherubs appear as winged lions with a human head. The sphinx could be an example.
(images from Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Canaan here, here here, here and here)