Paul’s Concern for the Spiritual Welfare of the Thessalonian Believers I Thessalonians 3:1-13 Part I
In many ways the church at Thessalonica was indeed an exemplary church. This church of Macedonia was founded by the Apostle Paul on his Second Missionary Campaign (Acts 17:1-14). Paul had many pleasant memories of the brief time that he spent with this infant church. In this brief, but awesome instructional letter, Paul encourages the Thessalonian believers to continue to excel in their faith, to increase in their love for one another, and to give thanks always for all things in view of the Lord’s imminent return.
As a spiritual parent, Paul was concerned that the infant church of believers would remain steadfast in their faith in view of the Imminent return of Christ. As we observe the text, it may be outlined as follows: I. The Revelation of the Believers’ Troubled Condition – I Thessalonians 3:1-5; II. The Report That Brought Paul’s Comfort – I Thessalonians 3:6-13.
- The Revelation of the Believers’ Troubled Condition
I Thessalonians 3:1-5
Because of Paul’s continued conflicts with the Jews, he only ministered in Thessalonica for less than a month (“three Sabbaths” Acts 17:2). And because of his tender and affectionate concern about the progress of the Thessalonian believers, Paul dispatched Timothy. Not able to return to Thessalonica due to opposition, Paul was unable to endure not knowing about the spiritual welfare of the young believers in Thessalonica (v.1). Timothy, described as a “brother and a minister of God and fellow worker in the gospel,” was sent forth with the mission to “establish” the believers and “comfort” them with regard to their faith.
The word establish means “to strengthen or make firm,” and the word comfort means “to encourage or exhort” (v. 2). Paul’s concern for the believers in Thessalonica was related to the persecution and suffering they were experiencing. It was crucial that they be established in their faith so that they were not “moved by these afflictions” (I Thessalonians 3:3). “Moved” may simply mean “disturbed or disheartened.” Paul was concerned that the afflictions would cause those who are not firmly grounded in the faith to be discouraged and become fainthearted.
After making a general statement that is true of all Christians – we are all “appointed” or destined, for suffering of some kind (v. 3), Paul had reminded the Thessalonian believers when he was with them to expect persecution (v. 4). Paul’s grave concern was that these believers’ faith would remain steadfast in the midst of the temptations of Satan (v. 5). Having discussed “The Revelation of the Believers’ Troubled Condition” – I Thessalonians 3:1-5, let us observe “The Report That Brought Paul’s Comfort” – I Thessalonians 3:6-13.
May God Bless!
