Session 4 1 Thessalonians 3:4-13
1 THESSALONIANS 3:4-13
MEMORY VERSE: 1 THESSALONIANS 3:12
Most of us are probably glad we do not know all our parents endured when they were trying to raise us. No doubt we caused them some stress and sleepless nights along the way. Parenting is not for the weak at heart. Parents feel distress for those whom they love unconditionally, hoping their warnings will be heeded. The church at Thessalonica was like a child to Paul, and we see him experience the thoughts and feelings of a parent with this church. In the process, both were encouraged through the faithfulness of the other.
(In PSG, p. 37)
While Paul was ministering in Athens, Paul dispatched Timothy, his trusted coworker, to find out how things were going for the Thessalonians (1 Thess. 3:1-3). Some time later, Timothy returned with a report that was even better than Paul could have expected. The Thessalonians had remained strong in their faith, despite ongoing persecution. They had not forgotten Paul, and they wanted him to return as much as he wanted to rejoin them (3:6-7).
Paul understood the power of “the tempter” to lead Christians astray (3:5). He was grateful the Thessalonians had avoided that pitfall. Their steps toward maturity were a validation of the gospel’s message and an encouragement to Paul that his work had not been in vain. With this positive report, the apostle could challenge the Thessalonians to continue moving in the right direction, growing in their love and holiness (3:11-13). Paul devoted the rest of the letter to the practical help they would need to live out their faith each day.
EXPLORE THE TEXT
4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience affliction, and as you know, it happened. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.
Paul longed for the Thessalonian believers to continue maturing in the faith. But he knew they were facing persecution, and that his quick departure had left some gaps in their discipleship journey. Therefore, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to make sure none of these young converts were shaken by the afflictions they had experienced (1 Thess. 3:1-3).
Jesus never promised the Christian life would be easy, and Paul’s experience bore that out. The Thessalonians had seen it firsthand, so they should not have been surprised. In addition, Paul had assured them in advance that he would experience affliction. The tense of the Greek verb indicates that this would not be a one-time event; Paul warned the Thessalonians that persecution was coming on a regular basis. The apostle’s persecutions included numerous beatings, being stoned and left for dead, shipwrecks, severe opposition, deprivation, and the stress of pastoral care for churches scattered across Asia Minor and Greece (2 Cor. 11:24-29).
Paul had warned of opposition—and it happened. His reminders had been validated—not because of his predictive power, but because God uses affliction to mature His people. Paul’s hope was that the Thessalonians would not see suffering as a reason to reject their faith, but as an opportunity to lean into Christ with more intensity.
Paul had been forcefully separated from the Thessalonians, and his attempts to return had been hindered. At some point, he could no longer stand it, so he sent Timothy to find out how they were getting along. Paul trusted Timothy completely, both as a teacher who would bless the Thessalonians and as a messenger who would bring him a full report. His young friend could accurately assess the condition of the Thessalonian congregation and provide teaching to encourage them toward spiritual maturity. His eventual update would fill in the gaps for Paul.
Paul also understood the power of Satan, the tempter. The same enemy who was working to keep him away from Thessalonica would be working to discourage the Thessalonians and draw them away from faithfulness. Satan is subtle and deceptive. Though he is a defeated enemy, Christians should not take him lightly. He is a roaring lion working to destroy Christians and their testimonies (1 Pet. 5:8). Paul did not underestimate his enemy, so he took action by sending Timothy.
Paul and his companions had invested their time and efforts into strengthening the Thessalonian church. If the situation took a bad turn, all that work would amount to virtually nothing. While Satan could not steal anyone’s salvation, he could create chaos in the congregation. He could instill faulty doctrine through false teaching. He could plant seeds of suspicion that would produce disunity. Further, he could use persecution to spread discouragement. His work could damage the church’s witness and hinder its outreach. The idea distressed Paul and moved him to encourage the Thessalonians through Timothy.
(In PSG, p. 40)
6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, we were encouraged about you through your faith.
When Timothy returned, he brought positive news about the steady growth of the young congregation. The Greek wording translated but now indicates two truths. First, Paul had found a profound sense of relief from the concerns he had been harboring. Second, Timothy had recently returned to Paul, so the apostle was wasting no time in sharing his joy with the Thessalonians.
Paul usually used the Greek word translated good news in reference to the gospel. However, within the larger Greek culture, it could also describe any welcome event or announcement. This is the only time Paul used this cultural meaning in his letters, so he was likely emphasizing how important Timothy’s good report was for him.
Paul’s emphasis on faith and love reveals that the Thessalonians were growing as individuals and as a church. Faith wells up internally and reflects the strength of an individual’s relationship with God. Meanwhile, love is an external demonstration of faith toward others. But they are really two sides of the same spiritual coin. Faith and love—internal and external proof of salvation—work together to bring believers to complete maturity and fulfilled ministry.
While the apostle was glad to hear the Thessalonians were doing well spiritually, he also was gratified that they continued to connect with him personally. Timothy noted that they treasured good memories of Paul and his companions. The Thessalonians’ recollections of the apostles were pleasant, and no amount of persecutions and trials could dim their affection. In fact, they shared Paul’s distress over their separation. They wanted to see Paul as badly as he wanted to see them.
The word therefore usually serves as a thought connector, helping readers see the relationship between what has been written and what is next. In this case, Paul drew a line between Timothy’s good report and his own reaction to that report. He longed for his brothers and sisters to understand the impact their ongoing transformation would have on his own life and work.
Of course, Paul’s response was as positive as Timothy’s report. Despite the distress and affliction he and his companions had endured at the hands of violent enemies, the Thessalonians’ faithfulness provided a much-needed tonic. Their affection gave him a sense of relief in the midst of crushing physical and emotional struggle. What’s more, he felt a renewed energy for his own mission for the kingdom.
Paul did not specify what his problems had been. But the Thessalonians knew the apostle well enough to understand the dangers he faced as a minister of the gospel. In the face of discouragement, the Thessalonians encouraged Paul through their commitment to the gospel. Wondering how they were faring had caused him great anxiety and distress, but finding them faithful brought him great joy and strength.
8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face and to complete what is lacking in your faith?
The Thessalonian believers were a tangible demonstration of God’s blessing on Paul’s ministry, and their response to the gospel deeply affected him personally. The apostle could live to the fullest as the Thessalonians and others like them continued to stand firm in their commitment to the gospel. Their solid work for Christ provided a renewed sense of energy that made his own ministry more effective.
Of course, Paul did not literally derive life from the Thessalonians, but he used literary hyperbole to emphasize his point. His words include a measure of exaggeration, but the Thessalonians’ passion to live out their faith on a daily basis produced joy and a deeper sense of meaning in Paul’s life. His example serves as a reminder that every follower of Christ can find strength in the faith of others—and that others can find encouragement through us.
Throughout this passage, Paul expressed his thanksgiving for the Thessalonians. Here, he shared his gratitude once more in the form of a lengthy rhetorical question. As Paul reflected on their faithfulness, he seemed to search for ways to thank God. The question in verses 9-10 indicates he was having trouble putting his gratitude into words that adequately expressed his feelings. It seemed impossible to explain the joy God had given him and the other missionaries through the Thessalonians.
It is worth noting that, for Paul, joy did not depend on circumstances or situations. Even in the midst of struggles and persecution, he could still rejoice when he considered God’s work in Thessalonica. He had expressed similar feelings in his Letter to the Philippians, another congregation with whom he shared a close bond filtered through persecution. (See Phil. 1:3-5.)
Paul’s question also suggests a debt he felt obligated to repay but couldn’t. Such a debt would be owed to God, not the Thessalonians. Christ was the Author of their salvation and deserved all the praise for their growing faith. Paul knew no human could ever thank Jesus properly. Even our best offerings pale in comparison to what He deserves; but, like Paul, our prayers should consistently be marked with gratitude and praise.
In addition to expressing gratitude, Paul had not given up his hopes of sharing fellowship with the Thessalonians in person. His attitude (very earnestly) and consistency (night and day) describe the emphatic and passionate nature of his prayers. The Thessalonians’ spiritual growth only intensified his desire to continue his ministry with them: meeting with them face to face and striving to complete what is lacking in their spiritual journey.
By mentioning what may be lacking, Paul was not questioning either the substance or the sincerity of the Thessalonians’ faith. The Greek wording implies a desire to strengthen and improve their spiritual condition, not give them something that was being held back or missing. The Christian life is an ongoing process, and believers are called to become more like Jesus each day. As such, what is lacking should be understood in terms of discipleship. The Thessalonians’ salvation was secure, but Paul could help them conform more closely to the image of Christ.
(In PSG, p. 42)
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13 May he make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.
Prayer is one of the greatest weapons in the Christian arsenal. It also serves as an incredible source of blessing—both for the one offering the prayer and for the one being prayed for. Paul understood this truth. He had already assured the Thessalonians of his regular prayers on their behalf (1 Thess. 1:2). Now he told them specifically what his prayer list for them looked like.
First, Paul prayed that the Lord would direct our way back to Thessalonica. As noted, Paul longed to return to the Thessalonians and to continue his ministry in their congregation. But Satan had hindered his previous attempts (1 Thess. 2:18). Therefore, he prayed that God would clear the way and remove any spiritual or physical obstacles. The final decision, of course, did not rest with him or his companions. Ultimately, the Lord would determine his direction, but he still confidently asked God to intervene.
Scripture reveals that Paul never made a ministry move outside the leadership of Christ. For example, his initial entry into Macedonia was determined through a series of divinely closed doors and a vision that revealed God’s direction (Acts 16:6-10). So while he prayed fervently that God would lead him back to the Thessalonians, he surrendered his desires to our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus.
The Bible does not reveal explicitly whether Paul’s prayers were answered in the affirmative. He did work his way through Macedonia again on his third missionary journey, and two of his companions (Aristarchus and Secundus) were from Thessalonica (Acts 20:1-4). But whether he actually returned to the city or not, Paul left his future in God’s hands and would follow wherever He led.
It is interesting to see that Paul’s prayer included two subjects (our God and our Lord Jesus), but only one verb (direct). This compound subject sharing a single verb is an affirmation of the deity of Christ. Though agitators may question the nature and legitimacy of Christ, the apostle clearly portrayed Jesus as fully human and fully divine, equal to the Father in all respects.
In verse 12, Paul prayed that God would empower the Thessalonians to increase and overflow with love. Paul used the Greek word agape here, emphasizing a selfless and unifying love. The Thessalonians had already demonstrated this kind of love, but Christ could help that love grow exponentially. Increase and overflow are essentially synonyms and generally refer to a superabundance of tangible wealth or an intangible quality. Paul didn’t want the Thessalonians to simply know love; he wanted it to flow out of them like a river flooding its banks.
Love is the hallmark of the Christian life. Sacrificial affection reflects the very nature of Christ and distinguishes His followers from the rest of the world (John 13:35). Love pulls believers together (for one another) and draws unbelievers toward a personal relationship with Christ (for everyone).
The Thessalonians had seen Paul’s example of love. They had experienced his tender compassion (1 Thess. 2:7-8) and his ongoing encouragement (2:11-12). Now he urged them to follow the pattern he had provided. He challenged them to embrace a love for one another and for others as we do for you. This phrase was probably not part of Paul’s prayer, but it offered a parenthetical reminder of the missionaries’ affection and served as a challenge to imitate the love they had learned from Christ.
A Christian’s sincere love provides the world with a visible glimpse of Christ’s character. However, Paul also prayed that the Thessalonians would develop the internal qualities of Christ that would ensure their acts of love were genuine—not hypocritical examples of going through the motions.
To that end, the apostle asked God to make the Thessalonians’ hearts blameless in holiness. This does not suggest moral perfection but acceptability before God and consecration by God. While our salvation is secure, growth in Christlikeness is an ongoing process. We struggle daily with a sinful nature that hinders our spiritual transformation. Paul understood that external changes produce little benefit without the internal work of the Savior. Christ helps believers overcome sin and become more and more like Him. That was Paul’s heartfelt desire for the Christians in Thessalonica.
The hope of Christ’s return provided motivation for Paul’s prayers and for the Thessalonians’ spiritual growth. On that day, our sanctification will be complete as we stand before the Savior. Paul envisioned presenting those who had believed the gospel back to Christ at the coming of our Lord Jesus. When that happened, he didn’t want to be ashamed of the choices they had made—and he didn’t want them to be ashamed either. Thus, he challenged them to continue following Christ and living in a way that God found acceptable.
(In PSG, p. 44)
The Church
A New Testament church of the Lord Jesus Christ is an autonomous local congregation of baptized believers, associated by covenant in the faith and fellowship of the gospel. (See Acts 2:41-42; 1 Cor. 1:2.)
Reflect on the emotion in Paul’s words.
Make a list of words and phrases in 1 Thessalonians 3:4-13 that reveal an intense emotion at work in Paul. Write a brief sentence explaining the context for each emotion. Think about times you felt a similar passion about a similar issue. How does this exercise help you understand the emotions expressed by Paul?