Bible Study 1 Thessalonians: 3: 1-13

 

A Commentary of the Book of 1 Thessalonians 

By Dr. Barry L. Jenkins

Text Used: Legacy Standard Bible

Bible Study 1 Thessalonians: 3: 1-13

Text:

Timothy’s Good Report

3 Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we were pleased to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3 so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions, for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction, just as it happened and as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to know about your faith, lest somehow the tempter has tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always remember us kindly, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?

11 Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you, 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you, 13 so that He may strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness, before our God and Father, at the [a]coming of our Lord Jesus with all His [b]saints.

Verse by verse commentary

Verse 1: “Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we were pleased to be left behind at Athens alone,”

Paul was in agony due to the separation between himself as a spiritual parent and his children in Thessalonica. May all in the ministry have such love in their hearts for those in their congregations.

Verse 2: “and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,”

Paul’s concern did not focus on health, wealth, self-esteem, prosperity or ease of life, but rather the spiritual quality of life. Modern prosperity preachers, e.g. Hagin, Copeland, Wommack, Price, Duplantis, Meyers, Oldsteen, are only interested in lining their pockets not lining heaven with new converts. A major concentration for Paul was strengthening and encouraging the church.

Verse 3: “so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions, for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.”

Paul did not promise the followers of Jesus a life of ease or public approval, nor did Jesus. Notice that Paul stated that the “afflictions” were “destined” for them. They were a part of God’s Divine plan. We should remember that nothing touches you today that does not first pass through the throne room of God. Paul knew this and he wanted the Thessalonians to know it as well. 

Verse 4: “For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction, just as it happened and as you know.”

Paul had told them to expect him to suffer as he had already suffered before his Thessalonian experience. Paul did not “sugar coat” the gospel or the costs of discipleship. He was a leader by example.

Verse 5: “For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to know about your faith, lest somehow the tempter has tempted you, and our labor be in vain.”

Satan had already been characterized as a hinderer and now as a tempter in the sense of trying  or testing for the purpose of causing the Thessalonians to sin. A good spiritual leader is concerned for your well being as well as his. Paul consistently demonstrated this type of love and leadership to the Thessalonians. 

Verse 6: “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always remember us kindly, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,”

Timothy’s report of the Thessalonians’ trust in God, their love for one another, and to Paul’s ministry convinced Paul that Satan’s plans to disrupt God’s work in Thessalonica had been unsuccessful and calmed Paul’s anxiety. Yes, even ministers need calming sometimes as they are not perfect.

Verse 7: “for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;”

Paul tells them that he has also had distresses and afflictions. The good report from the Thessalonians about their continued faith was a comfort to him. Let us remember that others are watching us as we endure afflictions and may our testimony during trials bring comfort to others.

Verse 8: “for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.”

Paul is painting a picture of an army that refuses to retreat even though it is being assaulted by the enemy. “We really live” means that as believers we enjoy life. This is not a declaration of ease or prosperity, but rather a statement of faith that regardless of what comes, with Christ you live. Even in our death, we live. 

Verse 9: “For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you,”

Paul found happiness in knowing that his children in the faith were growing and walking in the truth. This is the greatest joy any father, both physical and spiritual, can obtain. To know that your children are walking with the Lord and one day you will spend an eternity together.

Verse 10: “as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”

As to frequency, Paul prayed night and day. As to fervency, Paul prayed superabundantly. Regarding a lack in the Thessalonians faith, Paul was not criticizing them, but rather acknowledging that they had not yet reached their full potential, for which he prayed and labored. Salvation is instantaneous, but sanctification (being set apart to the Lord) is both instantaneous and progressive. While you will not be perfect in this life, we are to strive to be more Christlike everyday.

Verse 11: “Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you,”

Paul in his prayer speaks jointly to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ in prayer. Paul was a believer in the Sovereignty and Providence of God. Here, he prays that the Father and Son “direct” his way. “Direct” means to guide. Paul is asking God to bring about those secondary causes (e.g. people, events, afflictions, challenges) to get him back to the Thessalonians. May we pray similarly for God to direct and guide us.

Verse 12: “and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you,”

“Abound” means “exceed,” and love is the Greek agape (this type of love gives you what you need, not necessarily what you want). In this epistle, love is seen only in action. It is a labor of love. It is not emotional affection, but an active seeking of the welfare of another. Love is an action and when we understand this, we are in a better position to love others by doing them good. 

Verse 13: “so that He may strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness, before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.”

The work of sanctification already begun in believers is brought to glorious completion at the Second Coming of the Lord. Paul is encouraging these new believers to a life where they walk in holiness. This is not dress or entertainment rules to be followed, but rather a matter of a heart that has been cleansed from defilement. This occurs at salvation when a sinner repents of all known sin, places his faith in Christ and makes Jesus the Lord of his life. He receives a new heart, pure and holy. This should be the prayer for all new believers, e.g. “Lord, strengthen the heart of ____________ and may he/she walk blameless in holiness.”