1 Thessalonians 3 — Paul Sent Timothy
Introduction: Paul now lets us know that this first letter to the Thessalonians was a result of the report that Timothy brought back while Paul remained in Athens. In chapter one, the letter opened with a greeting from Paul, Silas, and Timothy, as all three of them had been together at Thessalonica to first deliver the gospel message. We learn from Acts that Timothy had joined Paul and Silas before they entered Macedonia (Acts 16:1–3). Now Paul describes in his letter the joy he had when Timothy brought back the report about the state of affairs among the Christians in Thessalonica.
NOTE: Bible verses are taken from the World English Bible (WEB).
A — Paul Sent Timothy to Encourage the Persecuted Thessalonians
1 Thessalonians 3 “1 Therefore, when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith; 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task. 4 For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know. 5 For this cause I also, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labour would have been in vain.”
Comments: Being himself hindered from returning to Thessalonica, Paul remained behind at Athens when he sent Timothy back. Paul knew the Thessalonian believers had already been under threat before Paul agreed to leave Thessalonica for his own safety. After leaving Thessalonica, Paul and Silas had a successful period with some of the Bereans who became believers by searching out the Old Testament scriptures themselves — but Paul was also unable to stay in Berea because enemies from Thessalonica came there to raise a threat (Acts 17:13–15). As Paul was in Athens he thought about how zealous the enemies of Christ had been in Thessalonica, and whether the new believers would be able to stand firm in their new faith. So he wanted them to be reminded that persecution for followers of Christ should not be unexpected, and they should not yield to any temptation to renounce their faith.
B — The Good Report Brought Back by Timothy
1 Thessalonians 3 “6 But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you; 7 for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God; 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?”
Comments: Paul is very pleased to hear that the believers there long to see Paul again, just as he has a longing to see them. Their time together had been perhaps only about three weeks, as implied by Acts 17:1–3. Paul is refreshed and even revived in his spirit by the report. He would like to be able to return and build them up in their faith even more, perhaps covering additional teaching that was cut short when the violent opposition there forced him to leave. He is almost beside himself as he finds it hard to imagine being able to add to the thanks he has already given to the Lord for the quality of faith the Thessalonians have demonstrated.
C — Paul Overflows with Joy Because of the Report
1 Thessalonians 3 “11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you; 12 and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also do toward you, 13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.”
Comments: Paul seems here to break out in joyful prayer asking that God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ may grant him the opportunity to return to Thessalonica. Again Paul links God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ together, perhaps as a reminder that his teaching was that Jesus is God our Savior and there is only one God (Deuteronomy 6:4–5; Matthew 22:37–40). Paul prayed that the love of the Thessalonians to each other and to all men might increase to the fullest measure, even as Paul has love towards them — so the Lord might firmly establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God and Father. Paul was following the plain way that Jesus gave as a summary guideline for our lives after the first great commandment. The saints of whom Paul speaks as coming with the Lord are all those who have been called to place their complete trust in the true and living God for everlasting life, and thereby have been made holy as Christ is holy (1 Peter 1:15–16; Leviticus 20:26; Psalm 31:23–24; Romans 16:15).
Reflections in Prayer
Lord, grant me the clarity of thought as I reflect on your word so I will not confuse or dilute the clear truths about my salvation and new life, or allow the temptations of the flesh or the devil to negate the changes in my life. I want to be prepared with all the other saints to rejoice at your return because you have made me blameless through your imputed holiness. Grant me the grace to withstand any persecution that might come upon me, and enable me to increase my love to an abundant level toward other saints and toward all men. Help me also Lord to gain comfort from hearing of other Christians in hard places around the world who are standing firm in their faith, because I know it is the power of the Holy Spirit within them being demonstrated before the world as a witness of your great love for those who call upon your name for eternal life. All praise to the Lord Jesus my Savior!
Published 28 February 2011