Chapter 3

3 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 

This is recounted in Acts

…2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the gospel of Christ,…

Same as the sender

…to establish you in your faith and to exhort you, 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions.

The community was still undergoing persecution

You yourselves know that this is to be our lot. 4 For when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction; just as it has come to pass, and as you know. 

The apostles also suffered and said that suffering was coming

5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent that I might know your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor would be in vain.

Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica to see how the Church was doing

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith…

They hadn’t given in to persecution

…and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— …

They still loved them

… 7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. 

This report gave Paul and the others great joy.

9 For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you, for all the joy which we feel for your sake before our God, 10 praying earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?

Paul takes pride in them

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all men, as we do to you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, …

Paul wants them to grow even more.

…at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.

Another reference to Christ’s Second Coming.

Introduction | Chapter 1 | Chapter 2 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5