1 Thessalonians 3

David Lipscomb Commentary On1st Thessalonians 31 Thessalonians 3:1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone;—Paul’ s anxiety for the Thessalonian Christians was so great that he could endure the strain no longer while he was at Athens and preferred to be left alone.1 Thessalonians 3:2and sent Timothy,—[Immediately upon reaching Athens, Paul sent word back to Macedonia by the brethren who had escorted him “ that they should come to him with all speed.” (Acts 17:15.) It is, therefore, most reasonable to suppose that Silas and Timothy joined Paul forthwith at Athens, and were almost as soon sent back into Macedonia— Silas to Berea or Philippi, and Timothy to Thessalonica. This ex­plains Paul’ s being left alone. This also explains how both Tim­othy and Silas came from Macedonia to Corinth. (Acts 18:5.) “ To be left behind” was a great trial to Paul’ s affectionate nature. Such a sacrifice may well impress the Thessalonians with the strength of his love for them. He mentions this as if it had been a great sacrifice, and it certainly was so for him. He seems to have been in many ways dependent on the sympathy and assistance of others and of all places he ever visited Athens was the most trying to his ardent tempera­ment.

It was filled with idols and exceedingly religious; yet it seemed to him more hopelessly away from God than any city he had ever visited. Never had he been left alone in a place so completely unsympathetic; never had he felt so great a gulf between the minds of others and his own; and Timothy had no sooner gone than he made his way to Corinth.]our brother and God’ s minister in the gospel of Christ,—[Paul bestows these commendatory titles on Timothy partly from his affection for his young fellow worker and partly to show still further his love for the Thessalonians which en­abled him to part with so dear and valuable a companion.]to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;—The Thessalonian Christians were, at the time this Epistle was written, with only partial gifts of the Spirit and the re­membrance of what Paul had taught them when he was with them.

Paul knew they needed a fuller instruction in the com­pleted will of God that they might be established more strong­ly in the faith. The more complete their knowledge of God’ s will, the better they knew how to walk in God’ s ways: and the stronger and the more fixed their faith in him, the greater joy and comfort they had in doing his will. One’s enjoyment of the assurance which faith gives depends on the strength of that faith enlightened and directed by the will of God. [Paul feared that their faith might fail under the persecution to which they were exposed. Timothy’ s mission was in the in­terest of their faith to impress upon them that the troubles in which they were involved were no proof that their faith was vain and to encourage them to continue steadfast in it.]1 Thessalonians 3:3that no man be moved by these afflictions;—Their love for Paul was so great that his afflictions unduly moved and excited them and they felt discouraged and disheartened that Paul, the leader of the Christians, an inspired man of God, should so suffer. [But the afflictions to which he especially refers are most likely the persecutions which began with the establishment of the church and still continued.]for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.—[From the very beginning God declares to his people that they may expect to be tried and therefore when trial comes they cannot be inclined to suppose that God is forgetful of them.] The afflictions of God’s children do not result from chance, but are the necessary consequence of being his chil­dren; they arise from the appointment and ordinance of God. We must be conformed to Christ in his sufferings. To his disciples Jesus said: “ In the world ye have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33.) When the Lord called Paul to the apostleship, he showed him how many things he must suffer for his name’ s sake. (Acts 9:16.) All the apostles suffered persecution, and, concerning Christians in general, Paul asserts that “ through many tribu­lations we must enter into the kingdom of God.” (Acts 14:22.)1 Thessalonians 3:4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before­hand that we are to suffer affliction;—They should not have been surprised at the consequences of their acceptance of the gospel, for he did not withhold from them the inevitable con­sequences of their accepting the gospel. [There was every reason to apprehend that they would meet with opposition on account of their becoming Christians, and it was natural that Paul should prepare their minds for it beforehand.]even as it came to pass, and ye know.—[This refers to the time when Paul, Silas, and Timothy were driven away from Thessalonica, and when the church was so much agitated by the violent opposition of the Jews. (Acts 17:5-8.)]1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith,—Because of their knowing of his sufferings and the discouragement, when he could no longer restrain his anxiety about the effect of his sufferings on them, he sent Timothy that he might know their fidelity, or steadfastness in the gospel. [The word know, as it occurs here, suggests fullness of knowledge rather than progress in knowledge.]lest by any means the tempter had tempted you,—[Paul had just referred to the hindrances to his own movements that Satan had been able to throw across his path. (2:18.) He now writes of a more serious Satanic opposition in the temp­tation of the young Thessalonian church to unfaithfulness.

He is anxious lest during his absence the fierce enmity of the Jews, either by some more violent attack on the church or by the harassing of incessant persecution, may at length have broken down their fidelity and faithfulness. The dangers in which these lay besets Christians in all ages, though the form in which it presents itself varies much.]and our labor should be in vain.—[Paul feared that Satan might have succeeded in weakening their faith, and that his labors in their behalf might therefore finally come to naught.

This recognition of the dependence of his final success upon the steadfastness of those who became obedient to the faith under his labors appears particularly in the following exhorta­tion: “ So then, my beloved, even as ye have always obeyed, not as in my presence, only, but now much more in my ab­sence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who worketh in you both to will and to work, for his good pleasure. Do all things without murmurings and questionings; that ye may become blameless and harmless, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom ye are seen as lights in the world, holding forth the word of life; that I may have whereof to glory in the day of Christ, that I did not run in vain neither labor in vain.” (Philippians 2:12-16.)]1 Thessalonians 3:6 But when Timothy came even now unto us from you,—Timothy in company with Silas joined Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:5), and gave him information concerning the condition of the Thessalonian Church. The word now qualifies came, and denotes just now. Timothy’ s return had been anxiously awaited, and no sooner had he arrived and given his report than Paul writes this affectionate and grateful Epistle. and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love,—[The report that Timothy brought from Thessalonica comforted Paul in all his distress and affliction, and brought him new life and indescribable joy. Timothy was a coworker with Paul from the beginning of the Thessalonian Church; he was greatly devoted to it and came at once into close contact with its real condition and found it full of faith and love. They were standing fast in the Lord. Their common faith had its most signal manifestation in love; it separated them from the world, and bound them close to each other. Faith in God and love to him and to man are the very life of the Christian. It is good news to faithful Christians to hear that they exist in a congregation.]and that ye have good remembrance of us always,—They remembered Paul and his teaching in love, and cherished an affectionate regard for him, notwithstanding the efforts which had been made to alienate their affections from him.longing to see us, even as we also to see you;—There was no disposition to blame him for having left them or because he did not return to them.

They were as anxious to see him as he was to see them. [Titus brought a similar message from Corinth to Paul while he was in Macedonia, and that after he had written his severe first Epistle to them. (2 Corinthians 7:7.) Writing from Rome, Paul expressed his longing to see again the beloved saints at Philippi (Philippians 1:8), a longing in which Epaphroditus, his fellow worker, shared (2:25). “ For in faith ye stand.” (2 Corinthians 1:24.)]1 Thessalonians 3:7for this cause, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith:—Paul was much comforted in his affliction with the assurance of their strong and active faith. [Their faith was the es­sential point concerning which Timothy was sent to inquire (verse 5); if this was steadfast, all would he well. So the Lord Jesus prayed for Peter: “ But I made supplication for thee, that thy faith fail not.” (Luke 22:32.)]1 Thessalonians 3:8for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.—[When Timothy came from Thessalonica he found Paul in great need of comforting words.

So extreme was his distress that he spoke of it by implication as death. But the good report of the faith and love of the Thessalonians and their joy and gladness brought life to him. This passage shows that Paul was a man of a high and ardent nature, sensitive in his affec­tions to a high degree. His whole soul was bound up with the churches he had founded. (2:8.) They were his spiritual “ children” (1 Corinthians 4:14-15), his “ beloved and longed for,” his “ joy and crown” (Philippians 4:1). He lived for nothing else.]1 Thessalonians 3:9 For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you,—Paul puts this question in proof of the strong declara­tion he had just made; the news that Timothy brought from them was new life to him, so much so that he could find no words sufficient to express his gratitude to God for the abounding joy which filled his heart in thinking of them.for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;—It was a pure, holy joy which was not hindered, but heightened, because it was in God’ s presence; standing in full view of God, his exultation only swelled to a higher, stronger degree of thanksgiving for all the joy he had received from their steadfastness. [The condition of alarm and depression which Paul had previously experienced made the rebound of joy the more vivid. Only those who have suffered much know joy in its full capacity, “ as chastened, and not killed; as sorrowful, yet always rejoicing.” (2 Corinthians 6:9-10.)]1 Thessalonians 3:10night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face,—His rejoicing issued in prayer all the more constant and earnest that he might again be with them, not in heart only, but in person.and may perfect—[Since perfect means the attainment of its ends and entire completeness in all its parts, the suffering believer should seek to be perfect in the development of char­acter, and entire in the discharge of the duties allotted to his several spheres of life.

When this end should be attained, he would be lacking in nothing in Christian conduct.]that which is lacking in your faith?—[The things that were lacking to attain this end were not so much what was lacking in their faith, but that which was lacking to perfect their faith. Their faith in itself was steadfast and vigorous.

Of their faith Paul says: “ Remembering without ceasing your work of faith and labor of love and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ. … For from you hath sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith to God-ward is gone forth; so that we need not to speak anything.” (1:3, 8; see also 2:13, 2 Thessalonians 1:3.)] The things that were lacking were the things unrevealed. Paul had not, at the time he preached at Thessalonica, received the fullness of the will of God, or they were not capable of under­standing it when he was with them. So their faith was de­ficient on account of the lack of knowledge. Paul was anxious to supply the lack lest they fall from their steadfastness. [The principal things lacking apparently concerned their con­duct, their hope, and their mutual relationship in the church, for instruction on these points occupies the remainder of the Epistle.]1 Thessalonians 3:11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus,—Paul had earnestly endeavored to visit them, but in vain. Satan had successfully opposed him.

But Paul made his appeal to God who is over all, and to the Lord Jesus, their Lord and his. God is mightier and wiser than Satan and his servants, so all is well.direct our way unto you:—[The petition is that God would remove all obstacles so that he could come direct to them.

This prayer, though deferred, in about five years afterwards was fulfilled in his return to Macedonia. (Acts 20:1; Acts 20:3.)]1 Thessalonians 3:12and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another,—Paul so loved them that he could not rest until he had made known the full will of God to them. [Taken together the words may be understood as increase in love so as to abound.]and toward all men, even as we also do toward you;—If such earnest love that others should know the truth and be saved was proper for the Thessalonian Christians, it is right for Christians now. Christians then inspired with the true spirit cannot rest without making an earnest effort to make known the wilt of God to alt men. [The Christian obligation to love and to serve is not to be limited in its objects to other Christians, nor does it in any way depend on the love or hate that others may show. (Matthew 5:44-48.) There is no limit to the heart’ s capacity for love nor to the opportunities af­forded for its exercise in daily life; hence, these repeated exhortations. (4:1, 10; 2 Thessalonians 3:5.)]1 Thessalonians 3:13to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father,—The prayer that God would make them to increase in love toward one another and toward all men was to the end that he might thereby establish their hearts unblamable in holiness before God.at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.—This carries the thought that the heart cannot be established un­blamable in holiness before God— cannot be prepared to meet the Lord at his coming— without a heart abounding in love toward both God and man. “ Love worketh no ill to his neigh­bor; love therefore is the fulfilment of the law.” (Romans 13:10.) He who abounds in love must do what the law requires him to do, both toward God and man.

Verse 1 1 Thessalonians 3The chain of events which puts this chapter in focus was as follows: Paul left Silas and Timothy at Berea, proceeding to Athens (Acts 17:14-15). On arriving in Athens he urgently summoned them to join him. They did so at once, and Timothy was sent back to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:1-12). Silas was sent to another part of Macedonia (Berea?) (Acts 18:5). Paul left Athens and went to Corinth (Acts 18:1). Both Silas and Timothy joined Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:6). This epistle was written shortly after the reunion of the three in Corinth.[1]It will be noted that many details are omitted, but the above sequence of events would seem to include all the information available. The chapter is largely devoted to the expression of Paul’s concern over the fate of the beloved converts left in Thessalonica when Paul was compelled to flee, due to Jewish-instigated opposition from the city magistrates, and of the apostle’s joy upon receiving the good news of their fidelity to the Lord and of their love for Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:1-10). It concludes with a fervent prayer that he might be spared to visit them again, and that the Thessalonians might abound and increase in their love of both God and man (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13). Regarding his prayerful hope to “see your face again,” “The prayer was answered some years later” (Acts 20:1).[2][1] Ronald A. Ward, Commentary on 1,2Thessalonians (Waco, Texas: Word Books, Publisher, 1973), p. 81. [2] J. R. Dummelow, Commentary on the Holy Bible (New York: The Macmillan Company, 1937), p. 988. Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone; (1 Thessalonians 3:1) The significance of Paul’s being left alone derives from the fact of his enemies seeking to kill him, the threat being so serious that an escort guarded his journey to Athens. The poignant mention of “alone” in this verse suggests that Paul recognized the danger of his unguarded exposure; and as his name was already known throughout Athens following his address on Mars Hill, he must have been very apprehensive of what could easily befall him. Thus his consent to be left alone derived from a genuine love of converts and the utmost unselfishness on his own part. We could not longer forbear … The “we” of this clause is certainly epistolary, or editorial, the “we” standing for Paul alone. This has been disputed, even by such a reputable scholar as Kelcy who stated that “The word from which alone' comes is plural in the Greek, indicating that Paul meant to include Silvanus,"[3] even referring to Paul's companions as among the writers’ of 1Thessalonians. It is true, of course, that “alone” is plural in the Greek, but Paul might very well have meant that the Lord was with him and that he was never alone (in the singular); besides, in any epistolary usage, all of the members of a sentence are in apposition with the plural “we” anyway. Many scholars support the view taken here: Some refer the plural to Paul, Silas and Timothy; others to Paul and Silas, as Timothy had been sent to Thessalonica; but it is to be restricted to Paul, as is evident from 1 Thessalonians 3:5, and inasmuch as Paul was left alone in Athens; the plural being used here for the singular.[4]Here the “we” is purely epistolary, referring to Paul himself.[5]The word “alone” in 1 Thessalonians 3:1 and the parallel between “we sent” (1 Thessalonians 3:2) and “I sent” (1 Thessalonians 3:5) suggest that the plural here is not to be taken literally.[6]“Alone” at the end of the verse (1 Thessalonians 3:1) is also plural ([@monoi]), although it is quite clear that it refers to Paul only.[7]The plural (for alone) does not decide the issue either way.[8][3] Raymond C. Kelcy, The Letters of Paul to the Thessalonians (Austin, Texas: R. B; Sweet Company, Inc., 1968), p. 64. [4] P. J. Gloat, The Pulpit Commentary, Vol. 21 (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1950), p. 55. [5] A. M. Stibbs, New Bible Commentary, Revised (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1970), p. 1158. [6] Peter E. Cousins, A New Testament Commentary (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Zondervan Publishing House, 1969), p. 494. [7] Leon Morris, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries, 1,2Thessalonians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, 1956), p. 61. [8] William Hendriksen, New Testament Commentary, 1Thessalonians (Grand Rapids, Michigan: Baker Book House, 1955), p. 82. Verse 2 and sent Timothy, our brother, and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;God’s minister … Some scholars insist on translating this, “God’s co-worker,” as some respected manuscripts have this; however, despite the attractiveness of doing so (it would fit in so beautifully with 1 Corinthians 3:9), there is no sufficient reason for the change. As Hendriksen said, “The external evidence in favor of the reading, “God’s co-worker,’ is not any stronger than that in favor of reading God's minister.'"[9]There were several reasons for sending Timothy (or Silas) to visit the Thessalonians. Not only was Paul most urgently concerned in knowing how they were doing and in receiving the encouragement which a good report might provide, there would also be definite benefits to the Thessalonians as well. They would be: (1) established and (2) comforted. They needed both. Young converts facing a storm of persecution might fall away unless established and comforted. My fellow-laborer ... These words added to this verse in the KJV are quite properly left out of subsequent versions; but they are included here for the sake of an interesting comment made by Adam Clarke, as follows: There were no sinecures then; preaching the gospel was God's work; the primitive preachers were his workmen, and labored in this calling. It is the same still, but who works?[10][9] Ibid., p. 83. [10] Adam Clarke, Commentary on the Holy Bible, Vol. VI (London: Carlton and Porter, 1829), p. 546. Verse 3 that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto are we appointed.Every Christian should understand that it is always thus. The antagonism between light and darkness is such that the upright, moral behavior of Christians is alone sufficient to incur the world's displeasure and hatred. Cain hated Abel, and why? "Because his own works were evil and Abel's righteous" (<a href="/bible/parallel/1JN/3/12" class="green-link">1 John 3:12</a>). Paul and his co-workers had fully warned and prepared the Thessalonians for that eventuality, as indicated by the words, "yourselves know." Be moved ... The word thus translated is [@sainesthai]; and the comment by Morris is that: This word is used by Homer and others of a dog wagging his tail, and so comes to signify "to fawn upon" or "to flatter" ... Paul is saying that the Thessalonians should not be cajoled by smooth talk.[11]ENDNOTE: [11] Leon Morris, op. cit., p. 63. Verse 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, as ye know.All Christians are servants of Jesus Christ and may expect the same treatment, wherever it is possible for the world to inflict it, that was received by the blessed Lord himself and his holy apostles. The warning that he gave the apostles (<a href="/bible/parallel/JHN/16/1" class="green-link">John 16:1</a> <a href="/bible/parallel/JHN/16/4" class="green-link">John 16:4</a>) on the night he was betrayed has its application to Christians of all generations. "A servant is not greater than his Lord. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you, etc." (<a href="/bible/parallel/JHN/15/20" class="green-link">John 15:20</a>). Another thing in view here derives from the fact of Paul's indoctrination of the Thessalonian converts with information they were sure to need. As Ward said, (Preachers) should teach basic doctrine to new converts and also prepare them for coming battles. In saying that "we" are on the road to affliction, the author was thinking of Christians generally.[12]ENDNOTE: [12] Ronald A. Ward, op. cit., p. 85. Verse 5 For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.The tempter ... "Only in one other passage (<a href="/bible/parallel/MAT/4/3" class="green-link">Matthew 4:3</a>) is Satan thus designated in the New Testament." [13] Paul's usual designation of the evil one was by his proper name, Satan; and some scholars have even based their denial of Pauline authorship of Hebrews on the "fact!" that Paul nowhere uses "devil" as inHebrews 2:14. This so-called "fact" is like many that are alleged by critics; because Paul used "devil" frequently, as in <a href="/bible/parallel/ACT/13/10" class="green-link">Acts 13:10</a>; <a href="/bible/parallel/EPH/4/27" class="green-link">Ephesians 4:27</a> <a href="/bible/parallel/EPH/6/11" class="green-link">Ephesians 6:11</a>,<a href="/bible/parallel/1TI/3/6" class="green-link">1 Timothy 3:6-7</a>; <a href="/bible/parallel/2TI/2/26" class="green-link">2 Timothy 2:26</a>, and <a href="/bible/parallel/HEB/2/14" class="green-link">Hebrews 2:14</a>! Our labor should be in vain ... If old five-point Calvinism had any proof in the New Testament, Paul could have spared himself any concern about any of the Thessalonians being lost! ENDNOTE: [13] Raymond C. Kelcy, op. cit., p. 69. Verse 6 But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you;Your faith ... T.W. Manson interpreted faith in this and the preceding verse as "fidelity," that is, "obedient faith"; and, although Morris denies this as having been "on inadequate grounds," he nevertheless admitted that "The word can have this meaning; and in this verse it would not be inappropriate."[14] The position maintained in this series is that "faith" in the New Testament frequently has this objective meaning, and that sinner's trust/faith is hardly ever the true meaning. More and more scholars should be aware of this. See my Commentary on Galatians, Ephesians, Philippians, and Colossians under <a href="/bible/parallel/GAL/2/16" class="green-link">Galatians 2:16</a> <a href="/bible/parallel/GAL/2/20" class="green-link">Galatians 2:20</a>. The obedient faith of the Thessalonians, their true Christian love ([Greek: agape]) for both God and man, and their continuing affection for the beloved apostles were sufficient grounds for Paul's full encouragement and thanksgiving. ENDNOTE: [14] Leon Morris, op. cit., p. 64. Verse 7 for this cause, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith:For this cause ... The cause was the state of the Thessalonians in the three particulars just cited in <a href="/bible/parallel/1TH/3/6" class="green-link">1 Thessalonians 3:6</a>. Through your faith ... This is likewise objective, meaning faith as demonstrated and proved by their actions, in another word, "fidelity." Verse 8 for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.As Dummelow commented on this verse, "Better, if only ye stand fast.’ The Greek expresses some doubt and anxiety."[15] “This is the utterance of profound and overpowering emotion."[16] Paul loved the young converts to Christ with a pure and holy passion; and this is even more impressive when understood in context of Paul’s schooling and racial background, those being so fervently loved being citizens of a once hated and despised race, degraded by centuries of idol-worship, and contaminated by pagan value-judgments. [15] J. R. Dummelow, op. cit., p. 988. [16] William Hendriksen, op. cit., p. 88. Verse 9 For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;The thought of this passage is that Paul’s gratitude at the state of the Thessalonians was so great that it would be difficult properly to thank God for so great a joy and blessing. Paul’s joy was so great that all of the sufferings and hardships he had endured were as nothing compared with it. Verse 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?As noted in the chapter introduction, this prayer was answered years afterward (Acts 20:1-2), indicating that, even in the case of such a holy one as Paul, prayers were sometimes not answered at once, but after long delay. The great admonition is always to pray and not to faint. Verse 11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way unto you:These three verses (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13) are “a prayer to Christ as co-equal with the Father."[17] The Christology of Paul is not something which “developed,” but was implicit and explicit in all that he wrote, even in this letter, one of the very first epistles from his pen. “Here we have an express prayer directed to Christ, thus necessarily implying his divine nature."[18][17] J. R. Dummelow, op. cit., p. 988. [18] P. J. Gloag, op. cit., p. 56. Verse 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:In 1 Thessalonians 3:10, Paul had mentioned what might be lacking in their faith, and here is a hint of one area in which they were not perfect. They no doubt loved one another, but Paul prayed that they might “abound and increase, but Paul prayed that they might “abound and increase” in that mutual love; and then, daringly, he extended it to require their love “toward all men”! In this virtue the Thessalonians, like all people, fell far short of the high and holy standards of true Christianity. As Morris declared, “The Christian quality of [Greek: agape] is never natural to man, and comes only to him who has been transformed by the power of God."[19]ENDNOTE: [19] Leon Morris, op. cit., p. 70. Verse 13 to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.Our God … Paul’s God was the same as the God of all the rest of the apostles and of all Christians in all generations; and the same was true of Paul’s gospel. To suppose that Paul’s gospel was any different from that of James or Peter is to ignore this basic truth. Coming of our Lord Jesus … There is not a word here of any “soon-coming” so frequently alleged as “the mistake” both of our Lord and of his holy apostles. True, some of the Thessalonians got that impression, but it was from their dull understanding, not from any statement Paul had made to that effect. If this were not the case, Paul could not have written 2Thessalonians so soon afterward for the specific purpose of correcting their false notions. With all his saints … It is difficult to know exactly what this means. The following summary of the difficulty is from Kelcy.[20]The word for “holy ones” is that commonly used for all Christians in the New Testament. On the other hand, the angels of heaven are frequently associated with Christ in the Second Advent. See Matthew 14:41,49; 25:31; Mark 8:38, etc. Of course, the angels are also called “holy.” Commentators have frequently solved the difficulty by supposing that perhaps both will be included, a view supported by 1 Thessalonians 4:14, under which passage further comment on this will be made. It is not safe, under any circumstance, to postulate any detailed description of what will take place at the Second Coming of Christ, because the glimpses afforded of that event in the New Testament are not full reports, but only glimpses, given here and there, of that glorious and terrible morning when all people will be summoned before the great white throne for their accounting before the Lord of all creation. It is an event devoutly believed as certain to occur in the future; but concerning exactly what shall take place at that time, people are doomed to a lack of full understanding until the occasion arrives, because the New Testament has left out any detailed descriptions of it. Christ will bring “them that have fallen asleep” with him (1 Thessalonians 4:14); and his holy angels shall likewise attend the event (2 Thessalonians 1:7); and, upon the basis of these Scriptures, the view is preferable that holds “saints” in this passage as including both. ENDNOTE: [20] Raymond C. Kelcy, op. cit., p. 79. “THE FIRST EPISTLE TO THE "

Chapter Three

IN THIS CHAPTER

1. To see the very real danger of being tempted, and the need to stand fast in the Lord

2. To appreciate how our own steadfastness can be a source of joy and strength to those who taught us in the faith

3. To understand the need to increase and abound in love, in order to establish our hearts blameless before God when Christ returns

SUMMARY As Paul expresses his concern for their faithfulness, he explains why Timothy had been sent to them while he himself remained in Athens. Fearful that their afflictions might have given Satan an opportunity to tempt them and render his labors with them in vain, Timothy was sent to establish and encourage them in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5).

Timothy brought back good news to Paul concerning the church at Thessalonica, telling him of their faith and love, their fond memories of Paul, and their desire to see him again. This greatly comforted Paul who was suffering his own afflictions, and he is overwhelmed with thankfulness and joy. Praying night and day that he might see them again and perfect what is lacking in their faith, he offers a prayer that God and Jesus might direct his way to them. He also prays that the Lord will help them to increase and abound in love to one another and to all, and to establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God at the coming of Christ with all His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:6-13).

OUTLINE

I. PAUL’S CONCERN FOR THEIR (1 Thessalonians 3:1-10)

A. TIMOTHY’S MISSION (1 Thessalonians 3:1-5)

1. When he could endure it no longer, Paul remained in Athens alone (1 Thessalonians 3:1)
2. He sent Timothy… a. To establish and encourage them in the faith (1 Thessalonians 3:2) b. That they not be shaken by their afflictions (1 Thessalonians 3:3 a)

1. To which they had been appointed (1 Thessalonians 3:3 b)
2. As Paul told them before (1 Thessalonians 3:4) c. To know of their faith…
3. Whether they had been tempted (1 Thessalonians 3:5 a)
4. Whether his labor might be in vain (1 Thessalonians 3:5 b)

B. TIMOTHY’S REPORT (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10)1. Timothy’s return brought good news… a. Of their faith and love (1 Thessalonians 3:6 a) b. Of their fond memories of Paul (1 Thessalonians 3:6 b) c. Of their desire to see him, just as he desires to see them (6c) 2. Such news brought comfort to Paul in his affliction (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8) a. He was comforted, knowing of their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:7) b. He felt alive, knowing of their steadfastness in the Lord (8) 3. He is thankful beyond words (1 Thessalonians 3:9-10) a. Thankful to God for them, for the joy they bring to him (9) b. Praying night and day that he may soon see them and perfect what is lacking in their faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

II. PAUL’S CONCERN FOR THEIR GROWTH (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

A. HIS PRAYER FOR HIMSELF (1 Thessalonians 3:11)1. A request made to both God the Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:11 a) 2. That he may come to the Thessalonians again (1 Thessalonians 3:11 b)

B. HIS PRAYER FOR THEM (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)1. That the Lord make them increase and abound in love… a. To one another and to all (1 Thessalonians 3:12 a) b. Just as Paul does toward them (1 Thessalonians 3:12 b) 2. So that the Lord might establish their hearts blameless in holiness… a. Before our God and Father (1 Thessalonians 3:13 a) b. At the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints (1 Thessalonians 3:13 b)

REVIEW FOR THE CHAPTER

1. What are the main points of this chapter?

• Paul’s concern for their faithfulness (1 Thessalonians 3:1-10)
• Paul’s concern for their continued growth (1 Thessalonians 3:11-13)

2. Where did Paul stay when he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica? (1 Thessalonians 3:1)

• Athens

3. Why did Paul send Timothy? (1 Thessalonians 3:2)

• To establish them and encourage them in their faith

4. What was Paul fearful of that might have shaken their faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:3)

• Their afflictions

5. What two reasons are given for Paul sending Timothy to learn of their faith? (1 Thessalonians 3:5)

• Lest by some means the tempter had tempted them
• Lest Paul’s labor might have been in vain

6. What good news had Timothy brought back to Paul? (1 Thessalonians 3:6)

• Of their faith and love
• Of their fond memories of Paul
• Of their desire to see him again

7. How did this news affect Paul? (1 Thessalonians 3:7-9)

• Brought him comfort in his affliction and distress
• Made him feel alive
• Overwhelmed him with thankfulness and joy

8. For what did Paul pray night and day? (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

• To see their face and perfect what was lacking in their faith

9. For what did Paul pray concerning himself? (1 Thessalonians 3:11)

• That God and Jesus direct his way to the Thessalonians

10. For what did Paul pray concerning the Thessalonians? (1 Thessalonians 3:12-13)

• That they increase and abound in love toward one another and to all
• That their hearts be established blameless in holiness before God at the coming of Christ with all His saints

Questions by E.M. Zerr On 1st Thessalonians 31. State cause of Paul’ s anxiety in 1st verse. 2. Where did he wait for his companions? 3. While waiting how did he use the time? 4. In what sense was Timotheus a minister ? 5. What constitutes a fellow laborer? 6. To what does he refer by stablishing them? 7. Concerning what would he comfort them? 8. What is meant by “ these afflictions” verse 3 ? 9. Did these afflictions surprise Paul ? 10. How had he been informed about them? 11. Had these brethren been warned about them? 12. Was his warning fulfilled ? 13. Is it right for us to predict persecutions? 14. What person was Paul afraid of here? 15. How might his work affect Paul’ s? 16. What report did Timothy bring Paul? 17. How did the report affect him? 18. To what present distress did he refer? 19. How was their faith demonstrated? 20. Interpret “we live” in verse 8. 21. What would constitute “stand fast in the Lord” 22. Would standing require such test today? 23. How account for fainting at tribulations ? 24. What honor do tribulations confer on us ? 25. To whom does Paul give thanks for their faith ? 26. Did this condition affect Paul’ s salvation? 27. How constant was his praying? 28. What was the request to see? 29. State what could be lacking in their faith. 30. How would the apostle perfect them ? 31. Why not let Timotheus do this ? 32. In what relation does he speak of God ? 33. When did he become this to Paul? 34. Name the three titles he gives to Christ. 35. Define each of them. 36. What fact made him Christ? 37. Tell what assistance he wishes from God. 38. Does Paul know the way to Macedonia? 39. Why does he need direction ? 40. For whose benefit would this direction be ? 41. In what should they increase? 42. Who can cause them to do this? 43. To what extent would it be abounding? 44. What example does Paul refer them to? 45. Tell what first showed his love for them. 46. To what end would this love contribute? 47. How can human beings be holy? 48. In whose sight is the holiness reckoned ? 49. To what event is this quality looking? 50. With whom is Jesus to come?

1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 Thessalonians 3:1. Left at Athens alone. This means the time when Paul had Timothy sent from him to go and visit the Thessalonians and inquire after their condition. Acts 17:15 states that the brethren who conducted Paul from Thessalonica to Athens. were to re-turn with a command for Silas and Timotheus (Timothy) to come immediately to him. However, when the apostle went to Corinth. both Silas and Timotheus joined him, coming from Macedonia (Acts 18:5). This indicates that only Timotheus really went to Athens, the reason for which is not stated.

1 Thessalonians 3:2

1 Thessalonians 3:2. The notes on the preceding verse will explain why our present one mentions Timotheus only as being sent from Athens back to Thessalonica (in Macedonia), there to be rejoined by Silas when he came back from Athens; then trgether they left and went to Paul who was in Corinth. Paul calls Timotheus a minister, which is from . Thayer’s general definition of the word is, “one who executes the commands of another, especially of a master: a servant, attendant, minister.” It is the word for “deacon” in every place in the King James Version. The word “minister” is never used in the New Testament as applying to preachers as a special class. Fellowlaborer means one who labors with another for a cause in which they both are interested; in the present case it was the Gospel of Christ. To establish denotes that they were to be further strengthened by being comforted through the message sent to them by Paul.

1 Thessalonians 3:3

1 Thessalonians 3:3. Moved is from a Greek word that means “to agitate, disturb, trouble,” and Paul did not want the brethren to be disturbed by their afflictions or persecutions. Are appointed means to be destined to a thing, and it denotes that opposition is bound to come against those who are true servants of God. The reason is that such a life is a rebuke against the people of the sinful world, and they show their resentment by persecuting the doers of the righteous life. (See 2 Timothy 3:12.)

1 Thessalonians 3:4

1 Thessalonians 3:4. “To be forewarned is to be forearmed” is as true on this subject as on any other. Paul wished that the brethren in Thessalonica would not be surprised by persecutions, lest they might thereby be “overtaken in a fault” (Galatians 6:1). To prevent such a result, he told them to be prepared for the trials awaiting them.

1 Thessalonians 3:5

1 Thessalonians 3:5. In spite of the precaution mentioned in the preceding verse, Paul wished to reassure himself of their steadfastness, and hence he sent Timotheus to them (verse 2) to strengthen them in the faith.

1 Thessalonians 3:6

1 Thessalonians 3:6. Paul was not disappointed by sending Timotheus to inquire into the state of the Thessalonians, for he brought back a good report of their faith and charity. The first word has special reference to their service to God. The second is from one of the words that are elsewhere translated “love,” and it is the form of love that is manifested in service to the brethren. Deering greatly to see us, as we also to see you. This sentence shows the close feeling that existed between Paul and the brethren whom he had led into the service of Christ. When men and women are sincere disciples of Christ, they will prize each other’s company above all others.

1 Thessalonians 3:7

1 Thessalonians 3:7. Paul’s afflictions were not removed by the service of the Thessalonians, but their example of steadfastness made it easier for him to bear them.

1 Thessalonians 3:8

1 Thessalonians 3:8. We live is a figurative or comparative term, not that Paul’s physical life actually depended on the faithfulness of the brethren. Robinson defines the original in this place, “to live and prosper, to be happy, blessed.” It is somewhat like the familiar ex pression of one whose circumstances have been changed from unfavorable to favorable; he will remark, “now this is more like living.”

1 Thessalonians 3:9

1 Thessalonians 3:9. What thanks can we render means Paul thought he could not be thankful enough for the joyful feelings their faithfulness had brought him. For your sakes means Paul was rejoicing because of the benefit that would result for the Tessalonians for them to be true to God, before whom or in whose sight all conduct is known.

1 Thessalonians 3:10

1 Thessalonians 3:10. Having been so favorably impressed concerning the Thessalonians, it was natural that Paul would desire further association with them. He offered daily prayers that he might have that privilege. There was nothing wrong about their faith, but they were still but babes in Christ, and Paul wished to impart more inspired information to them, to strengthen and build them up, and in so doing to perfect (make more complete) their faith.

1 Thessalonians 3:11

1 Thessalonians 3:11. There are just two persons named in this verse, but each of them has more than one name. God is the supreme ruler of the universe, and he is Father to all who will become His children by obedience. Lord means ruler, Jesus means saviour, and Christ means anointed. Paul invoked the help of these two great Beings in making a way for him to revisit the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 3:12

1 Thessalonians 3:12. All good things can be made better; that is what is meant by spiritual growth. The good brethren at Thessalonia loved each other, and had an interest in the welfare of all men. The apostle exhorts them to increase in all such qualities.

1 Thessalonians 3:13

1 Thessalonians 3:13. Stablish is from the same word as “establish” in verse 2, and the meaning is to strengthen or confirm. Unblameable in holiness signifies a life of righteousness that avoids the evils of the world to such an extent, that they cannot be truly blamed with committing them.