1 Thessalonians3
New American Standard
1Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it best to be left behind, alone at Athens,
2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the benefit of your faith,
3so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.
4For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it happened, as you know.
5For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be for nothing.
6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,
7for this reason, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;
8for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
9For what thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God,
10as we keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may see your faces, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?
11Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you;
12and may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you;
13so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for 1 Thessalonians 3.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: The apostle sent Timothy to establish and comfort the Thessalonians. (1–5). He rejoiced at the good tidings of their faith and love. (6–10). And for their increase in grace. (11–13).
vv1-5
The more we find pleasure in the ways of God, the more we shall desire to persevere therein. The apostle's design was to establish and comfort the Thessalonians as to the object of their faith, that Jesus Christ was the Saviour of the world; and as to the recompence of faith, which was more than enough to make up all their losses, and to reward all their labours. But he feared his labours would be in vain. If the devil cannot hinder ministers from labouring in the word and doctrine, he will, if possible, hinder the success of their labours. No one would willingly labour in vain. It is the will and purpose of God, that we enter into his kingdom through many afflictions. And the apostles, far from flattering people with the expectation of worldly prosperity in religion, told them plainly they must count upon trouble in the flesh. Herein they followed the example of their great Master, the Author of our faith. Christians were in danger, and they should be forewarned; they will thus be kept from being improved by any devices of the tempter.
vv6-10
Thankfulness to God is very imperfect in the present state; but one great end of the ministry of the word is to help faith forward. That which was the instrument to obtain faith, is also the means of increasing and confirming it, namely, the ordinances of God; and as faith cometh by hearing, so it is confirmed by hearing also.
vv11-13
Prayer is religious worship, and all religious worship is due unto God only. Prayer is to be offered to God as our Father. Prayer is not only to be offered in the name of Christ, but offered up to Christ himself, as our Lord and our Saviour. Let us acknowledge God in all our ways, and he will direct our paths. Mutual love is required of all Christians. And love is of God, and is fulfilling the gospel as well as the law. We need the Spirit's influences in order to our growth in grace; and the way to obtain them, is prayer. Holiness is required of all who would go to heaven; and we must act so that we do not contradict the profession we make of holiness. The Lord Jesus will certainly come in his glory; his saints will come with him. Then the excellence as well as the necessity of holiness will appear; and without this no hearts shall be established at that day, nor shall any avoid condemnation.
Key Words
διό (dió): through which thing, i.e. consequently
στέγω (stégō): to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)
μηκέτι (mēkéti): no further
εὐδοκέω (eudokéō): to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
καταλείπω (kataleípō): to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining
ἐν (en): "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.
Ἀθῆναι (Athēnai): Athenæ, the capitol of Greece
μόνος (mónos): remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere
καί (kaí): and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
πέμπω (pémpō): to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas (as a stronger form of ) refers rather to the objective point or terminus ad quem, and G4724 (στέλλω) denotes properly, the orderly motion involved), especially on a temporary errand; also to transmit, bestow, or wield
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3Both verses emphasize that believers are appointed to enter God's kingdom through much tribulation.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Paul was comforted in his own distress by the coming of Timothy and good news.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
The coming of the Lord with all His holy ones (saints).
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Historical context of Paul leaving Athens, where he was left alone after sending Timothy.
Supported by John Calvin, JFB
Instructs believers to look to and be animated by the examples of those who taught them.
Supported by John Calvin
Fear of the tempter beguiling believers and rendering apostolic labor in vain.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Reiterates Paul's intense, prayerful desire to see the Thessalonians' face again.
Supported by JFB
Direct prayer offered together to both God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Paul's pastoral anxiety that his labor over the churches might be in vain.
Supported by JFB
Longing to see them to impart a spiritual gift to establish and perfect faith.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel prayer for complete sanctification and being kept blameless until Christ's coming.
Supported by Matthew Poole