Bible Commentaries
1 Thessalonians 3

Verse 1

1 Thessalonians 3:1

Wherefore -- On account of the things mentioned.

We -- plural, but v.5 singular. Alone is also plural, but this is probably an editorial "we". Luke’s description in Acts of Paul’s entrance into Corinth indicate that Paul was by himself.

Forbear -- endure.

C. A Good Encourager Like Paul

1. He sent them a Helper (Timothy) v.1-5

2. He wrote them a Letter, v. 6-8

3. He Prayed for them, v.9-12

Verse 2

1 Thessalonians 3:2

Sent Timothy -- from Athens. Notice the qualification of Timothy, who had recently joined Paul on this missionary journey at Lystra. Brother, Minister, Fellowlabor. (Christian, Servant, a Team-man). And note Timothy’s mission.

Minister -- diakonos.

Establish -- strengthen, support.

Comfort -- encourage.

1) Paul’s Concern

2) Timothy’s Character

3) Church’s Comfort

Verse 3

1 Thessalonians 3:3

Moved -- disturbed. Apparently, someone was encouraging them to abandon the Christian way.

Appointed -- destined.

Verse 4

1 Thessalonians 3:4

Verily -- indeed.

We told -- Imperfect: "we repeatedly foretold", kept telling.

Before -- in advance.

Tribulation -- affliction.

Even as it came -- Paul predicted - it happened - and now they knew.

Verse 5

1 Thessalonians 3:5

No longer forbear -- Ancient letter writers’ complaint about not hearing, or received letters, from someone was meant as a sign of affection. IVP BBgC p. 589.

Forbear -- endure.

I send to know -- From Athens, cf. Acts 17:10-16.

Verse 6

1 Thessalonians 3:6

New Paragraph.

2) Paul Wrote Them A Letter - v. 6-8 (cf. 1 Thessalonians 5:27)

Now -- Very recent.

Timothy came -- To Corinth, Acts 18:5.

Good tidings -- The only in the N.T. when this word is used in its secular sense. "Gospel".

Faith -- attitude of trust in God and love.

Good -- pleasant, kindly. The Thessalonians didn’t believe the lies the enemy was telling.

Greatly desiring -- intense feelings, longing.

Verse 7

1 Thessalonians 3:7

Therefore -- for this reason.

Over -- about.

See with verse 8. Paul wrote 1 & 2 Thess (1 Thessalonians 5:27). These verse indicate that God’s Word is the tool for establishing young Christians in the faith. Note the way that Jesus used God’s Word in Matthew 4:1-11. God’s Word is the offensive weapon, the Sword, Ephesians 6:17.

In 1Thessalonians every major doctrine is touched upon. God’s Word is food to nourish us (Matthew 4:4), light to guide us (Psalms 119:105), and a weapon to defend us Ephesians 6:17.

Verse 8

1 Thessalonians 3:8

(see last note on verse 7).

Fast -- firm. cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 xxx.

Verse 9

1 Thessalonians 3:9

New Paragraph

3. Paul Prayed For Them - v. 9-12 (1 Samuel 12:23)

Three things Paul prayed for:

1) That their faith might mature - v.10

2) That their love might abound - v.12

3) That their life might be holy - v.13

We see in this prayer:

1) The Gratitude he felt - v.9-10

2) The Guidance he sought - v.11

3) The Goad he mentioned - v.12-3.

Thanks -- joy -- 1) We see Paul’s gratitude to God.

Verse 10

1 Thessalonians 3:10

Night and day -- His prayers were not just occasional.

Exceedingly -- most eagerly.

Perfect -- complete, as one might repair or mend a fishing net, Matthew 4:21, "mending" their nets.

NASV "equip", complete.

Lacking in your faith -- Was it more teaching, such that would strengthen their hope, devotion, and resolution, or was Paul wanting to import some (more?) spiritual gifts to them, as was the indication in his letter to Romans, Romans 1:11.

Verse 11

1 Thessalonians 3:11

2) The Guidance He Sought - v.11

Now -- "May Our" -- God ..

Paul recognized the power behind providence.

Verse 12

1 Thessalonians 3:12

3. The Goal Paul Mentioned - v.12-13.

A. His request - v.12;

B. His Reason - v.13

Make -- cause.

Abound -- for one another and all men. Inside and outside. 2 Corinthians 9:13.

Verse 13

1 Thessalonians 3:13

To the end -- "so that", the goal.

stablish -- establish

Unblameable in holiness. Paul prayed that there would be no grounds of accusation because of unholiness.

Note the relation between the Lord’s Second Coming and one’s stability or steadfastness in living a holy, unblameable, life in Christ.

Saints -- "holy ones" could be angels (2 Thessalonians 1:7), but in this context see 1 Thessalonians 4:14.

1)The Lord comes with angels in judgment - 2 Thessalonians 1:7

2) He comes with departed Christians and angels at the Resurrection - 1 Thessalonians 4:14; Mark 8:38.

Note: That each chapter in First Thessalonians ends with a reference to the Lord’s Coming.