Introduction
Paul is pleased by Timothy’s encouraging report of the Thessalonians.
Verses
1Therefore when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone,
2and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith,
3that no one would be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task.
4For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.
5For this cause I also, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labour would have been in vain.
6But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you,
7for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith.
8For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.
9For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
10night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.
12May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love towards one another, and towards all men, even as we also do towards you,
13to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Questions
1. What had Paul told them beforehand?
v 4 ... we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.
2. What is Paul's prayer for them?
v 10 ... that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
3. What is Paul's long-term desire for them at the coming of Jesus?
v 13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 5 Paul had sent Timothy from Athens to ensure their faith was not discouraged by their problems
- v 6 and 7 Timothy returned with good news about how faithfully the believers were coping
- v 8 to 10 Paul thanks God for their standing fast in the Lord and wants to see them again to help them further in their faith
v 11 to 13 Paul prays to God for three things:
- that he be allowed to visit the Thessalonians again
- that their love for one another will increase
- that they may be found blameless at the coming of the Lord Jesus
Audio