1 Thessalonians Chapter 3

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Introduction

THIS chapter is a continuation of the course of thought pursued in the previous chapter, and seems designed to meet the same state of feeling existing in Thessalonica, and the same objections which some there urged against the apostle. The objection seems to have been, that he had really no attachment for them, and no regard for their welfare; that he had fled from them on the slightest danger, and that when the danger was passed, he had not returned, but had left them to bear their afflictions alone. It appears to have been inferred from his long absence, that he had no solicitude for their welfare, and had brought them into difficulties, to escape from which, or to bear which, he was now indisposed to render any assistance. It was important, therefore, for him to remind them of what he had actually done, and to state his real feelings towards them. He refers them, therefore, to the following things as proof of his interest in them, and his affection for them: --

(1.) He had sent Timothy to them at great personal inconvenience, when he could not go himself, 1ff.

(2.) He had been greatly comforted by the report which Timothy had brought of their steadfastness in the faith, 6ff. Every expression of their attachment to him had gone to his heart, and their faith and charity had been to him in his trials the source of unspeakable consolation. His very life depended, as it were, on their fidelity; and he says he should live and be happy if they stood fast in the Lord, 8.

(3.) He expresses again the earnest desire which he had to see them; says that it had been to him the subject of unceasing prayer night and day, and beseeches God again now that he would be pleased to direct his way to them, 9ff.

(4.) As a proof of affection, the chapter is closed with a fervent prayer that God would cause them to abound more and more in love, and would establish their hearts unblameable before him, 12f. The Thessalonians well knew the apostle Paul. They had had abundant proof of his love when he was with them; and if his enemies there had succeeded in ally degree in causing their affection towards him to become cool, or to excite suspicions that he was not sincere, their love must have been rekindled, and their suspicions must have been entirely allayed by the expressions of attachment in this chapter. Language of warmer love, or of deeper interest in the welfare of others, it would not be possible to find anywhere.

Text

1: Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; edit

2: And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: edit

3: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. edit

4: For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. edit

5: For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain. edit

6: But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you: edit

7: Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith: edit

8: For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. edit

9: For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God; edit

10: Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith? edit

11: Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. edit

12: And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you: edit

13: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. edit