1 Thessalonians3
New International Version
1So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.
2We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
3so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.
4In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.
5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.
6But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.
7Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
8For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
9How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?
10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
11Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.
12May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.
13May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
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