1Th 3 | MHM | STEP | The Mission of Timothy. In this section, Paul explains why he sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians. Even though Paul wanted to go himself, he could not, so he sent Timothy to help and encourage the church. Paul cared deeply for the Thessalonians and wanted to make sure their faith was strong, especially during difficult times. He also worried that their troubles or the devil’s temptations might weaken their faith, so he acted to support them. v. 1 : Paul says that, since he could not visit the Thessalonians himself, he decided to send Timothy to them. He writes, When we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone (1 Thessalonians 3:1 ). Paul loved the Thessalonians so much that he was willing to be alone and miss Timothy’s help, just so the church could be strengthened. This shows how good ministers sometimes must make personal sacrifices for the good of others.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 3

The Mission of Timothy.

In this section, Paul explains why he sent Timothy to visit the Thessalonians. Even though Paul wanted to go himself, he could not, so he sent Timothy to help and encourage the church. Paul cared deeply for the Thessalonians and wanted to make sure their faith was strong, especially during difficult times. He also worried that their troubles or the devil’s temptations might weaken their faith, so he acted to support them.

v. 1: Paul says that, since he could not visit the Thessalonians himself, he decided to send Timothy to them. He writes, When we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone (1 Thessalonians 3:1 ^a). Paul loved the Thessalonians so much that he was willing to be alone and miss Timothy’s help, just so the church could be strengthened. This shows how good ministers sometimes must make personal sacrifices for the good of others.

v. 2: Paul gives a high recommendation for Timothy: We sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ (1 Thessalonians 3:2 ^b). Even though Timothy was younger and had less experience, Paul calls him a brother and coworker. This shows Paul’s humility and how he respected his fellow workers in sharing the gospel. Timothy’s job was to help the Thessalonians grow stronger in their faith and to encourage them, especially about the truth that Jesus is the Saviour and that trusting Him is worth more than any suffering.

v. 3: Paul explains his main reason for sending Timothy: he did not want anyone to be shaken by troubles. No man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto (1 Thessalonians 3:3 ^c). Paul knew that suffering is a normal part of following Jesus. He wanted them to remember that Christians must sometimes go through hard times, just as Jesus warned. Being ready for trouble helps believers stay strong in their faith.

v. 4: Paul reminds them that he warned them about these coming troubles before: We told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know (1 Thessalonians 3:4 ^d). By reminding them in advance, Paul hoped they would not be surprised or discouraged when difficulties came. This would help confirm their faith, because what happened was just as God said it would be.

v. 5: Paul says he was worried that the devil, the tempter, might use these hard times to turn them away from Jesus. Lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain (1 Thessalonians 3:5 ^e). Paul did not want his work to be wasted if they gave up their faith. He knew the devil tries to destroy faith, especially when people suffer. That is why he sent Timothy—to check on their faith and to help them stand strong. Faith is like a shield that protects us from all the attacks of the devil (Ephesians 6:16 ^f).

The Mission of Timothy.

This section describes how Paul felt when Timothy came back with news from the Thessalonians. Timothy's report brought Paul great happiness and comfort. Paul saw the faith and love of the Thessalonians as evidence that his work among them was not wasted. He was thankful to God and kept praying for them, hoping their faith would grow even stronger.

v. 6: Timothy returned to Paul with good news. He told Paul that the Thessalonians were strong in their faith and love. They remembered Paul and his friends with kindness and always wanted to see them again. Paul also wanted to see the Thessalonians. This mutual love between Paul and the church was a blessing and helped the gospel grow. But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity... (1 Thessalonians 3:6 ^g).

v. 7: Paul says that this good news comforted him during his own troubles and suffering. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:7 ^h). Knowing that the Thessalonians stayed strong in the faith made Paul’s hardships easier to bear. It was the best encouragement he could receive.

v. 8: Paul explains how much the Thessalonians’ faith means to him: Now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord (1 Thessalonians 3:8 ⁱ). If the Thessalonians continued to trust Jesus, it gave Paul new energy and joy. Their faithfulness was the greatest encouragement for him as a minister.

v. 9: Paul is so thankful to God that he says he can hardly express his joy: For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God? . When we are happiest, we should be most thankful. Paul’s joy led him to give more praise to God.

v. 10: Paul says that he prayed for the Thessalonians night and day, asking God to help them grow even more in their faith. Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:10 ^j). Even the best Christians have more to learn and ways to grow stronger in faith. Paul wanted to see them again to help them continue to grow with the help of God’s word and teaching.

Apostolic Prayer.

In this section, Paul prays for the Thessalonians. He wishes he could visit them in person, but since he cannot, he brings his requests to God. Paul wants their faith to grow and their lives to show more love and holiness. He reminds them that only God can truly help them, and that Jesus is also the one to whom we pray, just as we pray to the Father.

v. 11: Paul prays to both God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you (1 Thessalonians 3:11 ^k). He asks God to make it possible for him and his friends to come back to Thessalonica. Paul knows that all our plans depend on God. Even simple things, like making a journey, are under God's control. We should trust God to guide all our steps.

v. 12: Paul prays that the Thessalonians will grow and overflow in love: And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men (1 Thessalonians 3:12 ^l). Christians must love not only each other, but also everyone. Love is the true sign of following Jesus. Even though the Thessalonians already loved well, Paul asks that their love will keep growing. We should always pray and work to grow in love and other good qualities.

v. 13: Paul prays that God will help them be strong and holy: To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God (1 Thessalonians 3:13 ^m). He wants them to be ready for the day when Jesus comes back with all his saints. Holiness means living in a way that matches what we believe and is pleasing to God. Only those who are holy will be blameless when Jesus returns. When Jesus comes in glory, his people will be with him and their holy lives will be clear to everyone.