In 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3, Paul explained to the church why Timothy had been sent to them and why Paul remained in Athens. He also expressed his concern for their faith in God. He was afraid that their afflictions may have given the devil a chance to tempt them and render his work in vain.
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Paul’s Concern for Their Faithfulness
In Chapter 3 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul showed his concern for the well-being of the young converts to Jesus Christ. This was his main purpose for sending Timothy and Silas back to them while he remained in Athens.
The presence of Timothy was meant to strengthen the church in their faith as well as encourage the people to keep from being unsettled in times of trials. Paul also sent Timothy to find out if he had labored in vain.
Timothy’s Report to Paul
Next, Paul told of Timothy’s report after he returned from Thessalonica. He said the report was very encouraging and he was very thankful for that. This news comforted Paul in his affliction and he said he was excited to see them in the near future.
Paul’s Excitement about Visiting
Paul concluded 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 by saying that he prayed for God to open doors that would allow him to visit them again. He also prayed for the people, saying that he hoped their love for each other would grow in much the same way that his love for them had grown. He prayed that the Lord would establish their hearts in holiness for when the Lord Jesus Christ returned.
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1 Thessalonians 3 (King James Version)
1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
2 And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
6 But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
13 To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.