1 Thessalonians 3 - Printer Friendly

In this chapter Paul tells the Thessalonian believers that he had sent Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica to encourage them, and to learn how they were getting along in the Christian life. He reminds them that his sufferings were not unexpected but were predicted (1 Thessalonians 3:1–5).

Paul states that Timothy had returned with good news about the Thessalonian believers' faith and love. Timothy had also told Paul that the believers shared fond memories of Paul and longed to see him again, just as he longed to see them. This corresponds to Paul's earlier comment that he had only been prevented from visiting the Thessalonians by the interference of Satan (1 Thessalonians 2:18). Timothy's positive report helped Paul cope with his afflictions. Paul indicates he has great joy in knowing the believers at Thessalonica were doing well spiritually. He says he is praying around the clock to see them face-to-face and to address any deficiencies in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:6–10). Some of those concerns, at least, Paul will discuss in chapters 4 and 5.

The chapter closes with Paul praying that the Lord would make the Thessalonian believers' love overflow to one another and to others, as Paul's love overflowed to the Thessalonians. He asks God to strengthen them so they would be free of accusations at the coming of the Lord Jesus with His saints. This is a reference to departed righteous souls who will receive their resurrected bodies at that time (1 Thessalonians 3:11–13).

After these words, Paul will begin to address some of the fears and doubts with which the Thessalonians are struggling. These include worries inspired by false teachings about the end times and the return of Christ.

First Thessalonians 3:1–5 tells the Thessalonian Christians that Paul willingly stayed alone in Athens in order to dispatch Timothy to Thessalonica to help them progress in their faith. He reminds them that they should not be surprised when persecution strikes them. Persecution is part of the Christian experience. He had predicted such affliction when he was in Thessalonica. Now that he was absent from them he was concerned that the Devil might have tempted them, thereby disrupting what Paul's ministry had begun.

First Thessalonians 3:6–10 expresses Paul's thanks for Timothy's good news regarding the Thessalonian believers. They showed faith and love and remembered Paul kindly. Also, they wanted to see him again, just as he wanted to see them. This good report cheered Paul in the midst of his trials. The fact that the believers were standing firm in the Lord gave Paul a new lease on life. He felt that he could not thank God enough for all the joy news of the Thessalonians' resolute faith and love had brought him. He was praying consistently both night and day that God would enable him to see the Thessalonians again. He was sure his visit would make it possible for him to nurture their young faith.

First Thessalonians 3:11–13 concludes this chapter with Paul's prayer for himself and for his readers. He asks God and the Lord Jesus to guide him and his coworkers to the Thessalonians. He also prays that the Lord would cause the Thessalonians' love to overflow to one another and to others. He assures his readers that his love overflowed to them. He strongly desires that God will strengthen his readers' faith so they will be fully separated unto him without any valid accusation when Jesus returns. Paul adds, ''with all his saints.'' When Jesus comes in the air to catch away his church, the souls of departed Christians will accompany Him to receive their resurrected, glorified bodies (1 Thessalonians 4:16).

In chapter 3, Paul completes his discussion of the current state of the church in Thessalonica. After sending Timothy, Paul has received confirmation that the believers there are standing firm in their faith. Their devotion to the gospel is surviving, despite the persecutions which Paul predicted would arise. Paul once again thanks the Thessalonians for their faithfulness and prays for their continual growth.

Chapter 3 concludes Paul's comments about the condition of the Thessalonian church. These began in chapter 1 and were given more details in chapters 2 and 3. Here, Paul expresses his joy that the Thessalonians are enduring persecution faithfully, and he prays that they will continue to grow. In the following chapters, Paul will address some of the concerns plaguing the Thessalonians, including worries about the end times.

The apostle Paul's second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul's message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord's return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers' spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ's impending return.