1 Thessalonians 3
Concern for Their Faith
3 Therefore (because we have such a love, hope and joy concerning you), when we could no longer endure it (we could no longer suppress it and do nothing about it), we thought (we all agreed) it good (better) to be left in Athens alone (i.e., to break our team up, diminishing our full strength even amidst the idolatry of Athens), 2 and sent Timothy (as he had not been driven out of Thessalonica as we were), our brother (called and saved by the Lord) and minister of God (set apart and put into service to the Lord), and our fellow laborer (a team man, helping to fulfill the will of our Lord together) in the gospel of Christ (going forth making disciples for the Lord), to establish (to bring you to a firm resolve, a fixed place, to affirm) you and encourage (exhort, comfort, help) you concerning your faith (concerning the profession you have made in Christ; so that no person, movement, persecution, philosophy or thing could deter you from your profession of faith), 3 that no one (not a single one of you, at any time) should be shaken (disturbed, unsettled, deceived, disheartened) by these afflictions (that you suffer from your countrymen—whether they profess Christ like yourself or are unbelievers—from friendly fire or enemy fire—from the ill-meaning or the well-meaning); for you yourselves know (by instruction, example, and experience) that we (gospel believers) are appointed (set) to this (Affliction is a natural and inevitable byproduct of salvation [cf., Jn. 16:33; Acts 14:22; Rom. 5:3; 8:35-39; 12:12; 2 Cor. 1:4; 7:4; 2 Tim. 3:12][1]). 4 For, in fact (this ought to be no surprise to you as), we told you before when we were with you (this very thing) that we (all, together, as a whole) would (not may, but would) suffer tribulation (afflictions of all sorts), just as it (has) happened, and you know (you now are experiencing [cf., John 16:1, 4][2]). 5 For this reason (knowing of the afflictions you face and would continue to face and the temptations they would provoke within you), when I could no longer endure it (I could no longer bear my concern for you), I sent (Timothy) to know your faith (to see whether you were holding true to your profession), lest by some means (of affliction/persecution) the tempter (Satan) had (successfully) tempted you (to abandon or neutralize your faith), and our labor (of making faith-filled and faithful, practicing disciples out of you) might be in vain (i.e., worthless, without effect, empty—that our hope, joy and crown of rejoicing would vanish like the mist).
Encouraged by Timothy
6 But (having sent Timothy to you and) now that Timothy has come (back) to us (now at Corinth) from you, and brought us good news [1] of your (continuing) faith (your being the only kind of Christians God means us to be—hot, not cold or especially lukewarm—That you were not abandoning the faith given to you due to persecution/affliction, [1:3] but were continuing to evangelize, study the Scriptures, pray, fellowship and worship together) and [2] love (your continuing to express the compassion of Christ towards others), and [3] that you always have good remembrance of us (not having a changed, negative attitude toward us), greatly desiring to see us (again for further fellowship and discipleship), as we also to see you (for the same reasons)— 7 therefore (for this reason or cause), brethren, in all our affliction (severe physical privations) and distress (relentless sufferings by antagonists) we were comforted (revitalized, energized, further inspired) concerning you by your (continued, active, growing) faith. 8 For now we live (in joy and harmony with “both” worlds, through that which your now continuing, proven, earthly, spiritually transforming life provides and the ever increasing heavenly reward for our faithful devotion and service to our Master), if you (continue to) stand fast (resolute, persevere) in the Lord (as you abide in Him we will continue to live in this way).
9 For what thanks can we render (how can we ever adequately express our gratitude, not to the Thessalonians, but) to God for you, (as we can breathe again concerning you as you have not added to the affliction and distress of our already severely challenged heart—Thanks be to God!) for all the joy (for all the multiple sensations and expressions) with which we rejoice (experience and ecstatically lift up) for your sake (on behalf of you) before our God, (for the spiritual life that continues to grow in you and shine through you) 10 night and day praying (24/7 in the past, present and future; praying) exceedingly (literally, “more than out of abundance” more than a lot or what would be deemed necessary or ordinary) that we may see your face (that we may rejoice with you personally) and perfect (adjust, further develop) what is lacking (where there is room to grow even more) in your faith (and have the privilege and joy of further instructing such wonderful disciples)?
Prayer for the Church
11Now (amplifying verse 10—Praying) may our God and Father (our Divine, parental Guardian) Himself, and our Lord (our Master and Savior) Jesus Christ, direct our way to you (make it His will and thus possible for all of us to revisit you). 12And may the Lord (which may be the Holy Spirit here) make (cause) you increase and abound (to super abound in quality and/or quantity, to multiply endlessly over and over again) in love to one another[3] (to sustain your church family and as well, “By this all will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another,” Jn. 13:35) and to all[4] (to grow in numbers as a church family; “…love your enemies” Mat. 5:44; “for my people, my Jewish brothers and sisters. I would be willing to be forever cursed—cut off from Christ!—if that would save them.” Romans 9:3 [NLT]); “When [Jesus] saw the multitudes, He was moved with compassion for them, because they were weary and scattered, like sheep having no shepherd.” Matthew 9:36), just as we do (just as we demonstrate our love) to you (Thessalonians), 13so that (to the end that, by this love) He may establish ([lit.] “to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or [fig.] to confirm”[5]) your hearts (the control center of your being/life[6]) blameless (live lives separated from sin) in holiness (live lives separated to God) before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (when our lives are evaluated at the Judgment Seat of Christ) with all His saints (that come with Him that preceded us to heaven as well).
[1] John 16:33 – These things I have spoken to you, that in Me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.”
- Acts 14:22 – strengthening the souls of the disciples, exhorting them to continue in the faith, and saying, “We must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God.”
- Romans 5:3 – And not only that, but we also glory in tribulations, knowing that tribulation produces perseverance;
- Romans 8:35–39 – Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 36 As it is written: “For Your sake we are killed all day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.” 37 Yet in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. 38 For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, 39 nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.
- Romans 12:12 – rejoicing in hope, patient in tribulation, continuing steadfastly in prayer;
- 2 Corinthians 1:4 – who comforts us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort those who are in any trouble, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God.
- 2 Corinthians 7:4 – Great is my boldness of speech toward you, great is my boasting on your behalf. I am filled with comfort. I am exceedingly joyful in all our tribulation.
- 2 Timothy 3:12 – Yes, and all who desire to live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution.
[2] John 16:1 – “These things I have spoken to you, that you should not be made to stumble.
- John 16:4 – But these things I have told you, that when the time comes, you may remember that I told you of them. “And these things I did not say to you at the beginning, because I was with you.
[3] 1 Corinthians 13:13 – And now abide faith, hope, love, these three; but the greatest of these is love.
John 13:34 (NASB95) – “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another, even as I have loved you, that you also love one another.
Romans 13:8 (NASB95) – Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law.
1 Thessalonians 4:9 (NASB95) – Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;
1 Peter 1:22 (NASB95) – Since you have in obedience to the truth purified your souls for a sincere love of the brethren, fervently love one another from the heart,
1 John 3:11 (NASB95) – For this is the message which you have heard from the beginning, that we should love one another;
1 John 3:23 (NASB95) – This is His commandment, that we believe in the name of His Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, just as He commanded us.
[4] Matthew 5:43–48 (NASB95) – “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 “For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? 47 “If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? 48 “Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Luke 10:25–37 (NASB95) – And a lawyer stood up and put Him to the test, saying, “Teacher, what shall I do to inherit eternal life?” 26 And He said to him, “What is written in the Law? How does it read to you?” 27 And he answered, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind; and your neighbor as yourself.” 28 And He said to him, “You have answered correctly; do this and you will live.” 29 But wishing to justify himself, he said to Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?” 30 Jesus replied and said, “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, and fell among robbers, and they stripped him and beat him, and went away leaving him half dead. 31 “And by chance a priest was going down on that road, and when he saw him, he passed by on the other side. 32 “Likewise a Levite also, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. 33 “But a Samaritan, who was on a journey, came upon him; and when he saw him, he felt compassion, 34 and came to him and bandaged up his wounds, pouring oil and wine on them; and he put him on his own beast, and brought him to an inn and took care of him. 35 “On the next day he took out two denarii and gave them to the innkeeper and said, ‘Take care of him; and whatever more you spend, when I return I will repay you.’ 36 “Which of these three do you think proved to be a neighbor to the man who fell into the robbers’ hands?” 37 And he said, “The one who showed mercy toward him.” Then Jesus said to him, “Go and do the same.”
[5] Strong, J. (1996). The New Strong’s Dictionary of Hebrew and Greek Words. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
[6] Keep (guard, keep an eye on), your heart with (not a little, 50% or even 99% but), all diligence (“above or more than all”—so guard your heart with more care and diligence than anything else), for out of it (your heart), spring the issues of life, (meaning your heart determines the course of your life –God is telling us that our heart will be the mastermind of every decision, plan and choice we make during our lifetime). Pr 4:23
Faith Aids 