THE BOOK OF FIRST THESSALONIANS
(“I Couldn’t Stand Not Knowing!”)
I Thessalonians 3:1-13 (NASU)
(A) FROM A HISTORICAL VIEWPOINT
(1) This morning we are particularly interested in verses one through five, which I want to approach from two different perspectives – the first being simply as a historical account (or timeline) of events.
It’s always important to remember that the things we read about in Scripture (except for things like parables) are real events that actually took place – that the things we read about in the Bible are not fables, or legends, or imaginary stories – rather, they are the record of real people (just like you and me), going through real experiences – some of them pleasant, others not so pleasant (just like you and I do). And this includes everything from the parting of the Red Sea in the Book of Exodus (c.f. Exodus 14:21-22), to Paul having to leave the city of Thessalonica under the cover of darkness, as reported in the Book of Acts (c.f. Acts 17:5-10).
(2) Up to this point, much of Paul’s First letter to the Thessalonians has been autobiographical – (especially in chapter two) as he defends himself from various false accusations made by his detractors (most of whom were unbelieving Jews living in Thessalonica). This material gives us important insights into the kind of methods Paul used to proclaim the Gospel. Plus, it also gives us a glimpse into the heartfelt affection he had for those who were converted to Christ under his ministry. For example, regarding his methods, he says (in chapter two, verse seven): “But we proved to be GENTLE among you, as a nursing mother TENDERLY cares for her … children” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:7) – while regarding his feelings for the Thessalonian believers, he says (in chapter two, verse eight): “Having so fond an AFFECTION for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become VERY DEAR to us” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:8).
In defending himself from false accusations – about things like personal misconduct, and not coming back to Thessalonica because he didn’t really care about the Christians in that city – Paul says (in chapter two, verse ten): “You are witnesses, and so is God, how DEVOUTLY and UPRIGHTLY and BLAMELESSLY we behaved toward you believers” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:10) – and again, in verse eighteen: “For WE WANTED TO COME TO YOU – I Paul, more than once – and yet Satan hindered us” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:18).
Much of the material in the first half of chapter three is still autobiographical – as Paul talks about sending Timothy back to Thessalonica, because he could no longer endure not knowing how the new believers in that city were doing (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:1-5).
(3) Based on what we find here in the Book of First Thessalonians, as well as the Book of Acts, the sequence of events went something like this. During his second missionary journey (c.f. Acts 15:36), Paul and his traveling companions come to the city of Thessalonica, where he proclaimed the Gospel of Jesus Christ for three Sabbaths in the local Jewish synagogue (c.f. Acts 17:1-3). Numerous converts were made – especially among the Gentiles. However, Jews who did not believe what Paul preached incited a riot that forced him to leave the city and go to Berea (c.f. Acts 17:4-10).
When the unbelieving Jews in Thessalonica heard where Paul had gone, they followed him to Berea, and stirred up another riot in that city, which forced him to leave and go to Athens (c.f. Acts 17:13-15). In this morning’s Scripture lesson, Paul says that while he was in “Athens” he reached the point where he could no longer “endure” not knowing how the Christians in Thessalonica were holding up. And so, he decided to send “Timothy” back to “find out” how they were doing – even though that meant he would be left “alone” in an unfamiliar city (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:1-5).
While his beloved “brother” and “fellow worker in the gospel of Christ” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:2) was gone, Paul moved on to Corinth, where Timothy eventually caught up with him (c.f. Acts 18:1-5) – and reported that all was well in Thessalonica. Hence, Paul writes in verses six through eight of this morning’s Scripture lesson: 6“But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:6-8).
(4) Apparently Timothy’s report about how the new believers in Thessalonica were doing – that by God’s grace, they were doing very well! – was the catalyst for the letter we now know as First Thessalonians. Hence, in chapter one (for example) Paul commends them (in verse three) for their “work of faith and labor of love and steadfastness of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ” – and (in verse seven) for setting “an example” for other “believers” in the region to follow (c.f. I Thessalonians 1:3, 7).
In chapter two he commends them (in verse thirteen) for receiving the preaching of the Gospel “for what it really is, the word of God” (rather than “the word of men”) – and (in verse fourteen) for remaining faithful even in the midst of suffering (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:13-14).
And now here in chapter three Paul commends them (in verse six) for “thinking kindly of him (despite the accusations that have been made against him), and wanting to see him as much as he wants to see them” – and also (in verse eight), for “stand(ing) firm in the Lord” in the midst of so much affliction (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:6, 8).
(B) FROM A DOCTRINAL VIEWPOINT
(1) Even as Paul relates some of the historical events that took place during and after his time in Thessalonica, he also touches on several important doctrines. And that’s what we want to look at now, in the time we have remaining.
And so we start with verses one and two, where Paul says: 1“Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:1-2).
(a) The word “therefore” connects what has just been said in chapter two, with what’s now being said here in chapter three. In other words, because of Paul’s strong “affection” for the believers in Thessalonica (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:8) – and because he considered them his “glory and joy” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:19-20) (as we saw last time)2 – “therefore” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:1), he soon reached the point where he could no longer bear being separated from them, or accept the lack of communication between himself and them, or endure not knowing how they were doing spiritually1 – i.e. were they standing firm in the faith, or had affliction and persecution caused them to fall away (c.f. Matthew 13:20-21)?
(b) Paul had already tried to go back to Thessalonica personally – but, as we saw last time,2 Satan kept blocking his plans (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:18). So, he decided to send “Timothy” – even though that meant he would be left “alone” in “Athens” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:1-2).
This was no small sacrifice on Paul’s part – for he was not a man who enjoyed being alone (c.f. II Timothy 4:9-12), or having to minister alone. On the contrary, he depended heavily on the men who traveled with him – like Timothy – not just for companionship, but to also share the work load. Hence, in verse two he calls Timothy “God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:2). What’s more, if poor eyesight was Paul’s thorn in the flesh3 (as some think) (c.f. II Corinthians 12:7; Galatians 6:11),4 then it may have been much easier for him to get around when he had someone with him who could see better than he could.
Whatever the reasons, it was no small matter for Paul to be left “alone” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:1) – in fact, the Greek word for “alone” (used in verse one) literally means “abandoned” or “forsaken”5 – not that Paul felt Timothy had “abandoned” him or “forsaken” him – but that he felt his absence very keenly. Hence, sending Timothy was an act of unselfish sacrifice on Paul’s part, that gives us some indication of just how much he cared about the believers in Thessalonica – and how he “regarded them as being more important than himself” (c.f. Philippians 2:3).6
Let it be said, then – although it should be obvious – that ministering to others involves personal sacrifice. That it always costs us something to serve another person – that there is always a price to be paid for showing Christ-like care and concern toward someone else.
Later, in chapter five, Paul will instruct the Thessalonians to “esteem” those who have charge over them in the Lord “very highly in love” (c.f. I Thessalonians 5:12-13). But here he reverses that role, and shows his own high regard for the believers in Thessalonica, by sending Timothy to them at great personal cost to himself.
(c) Moreover, Timothy’s assignment involved much more then simply gathering information to take back to Paul. For according to verse two he was specifically sent “to strengthen and encourage” the Thessalonians in their “faith” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:2) – especially (verse three) in light of all the “afflictions” they were having to endure, as a result of their profession of faith in Christ (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:3).
The word “strengthen” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:2) has to do with reinforcing something for the purpose of making it stronger and more stable. When it comes to the Christian faith, this is done by teaching sound doctrine – as one writer said, “no one can have a strong faith without an accurate knowledge and understanding of biblical truth.”7 The psalmist once told God: “I will walk in Your truth” – but that declaration is preceded by another, namely, “Teach me Your way, O Lord” (c.f. Psalm 86:11). In other words, before we can walk in the truth, we must be taught the truth – and that was part of Timothy’s assignment on his return trip to Thessalonica – i.e. to “strengthen” these new believers by increasing their knowledge and understanding of the Christian doctrines taught in Scripture.
But, that wasn’t all – for the word “encourage” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:2) carries the idea of cheering the believers in Thessalonica on (as it were) – cheering them on to put what they were learning into practice7 – cheering them on to be “doers” of God’s word (as James says), not just “hearers” (c.f. James 1:22). Hence, later (in chapter four) Paul will “encourage” the Thessalonians, saying: “we … exhort you … that as you received from us instructions as to how you ought to walk and please God (just as you actually do walk), that you excel still more” (c.f. I Thessalonians 4:1).
(d) Scripture is always telling us that it’s not enough to know what God’s word says – we must also do what it says. Otherwise, all the doctrinal knowledge in the world is useless. In Leviticus chapter twenty-two, God says: “you shall keep My commandments, and DO THEM” (c.f. Leviticus 22:31) – Psalm one hundred and three says: 17“the lovingkindness of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear Him … 18… who … remember His precepts to DO THEM” (c.f. Psalm 103:17-18) – in Matthew chapter seven, Jesus said: “everyone who hears these words of Mine and ACTS ON THEM, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock” (c.f. Matthew 7:24; see also vs. 26-27).
It’s one thing to have “a zeal for God, (that’s) not in accordance with knowledge” (c.f. Romans 10:2) – but it’s equally bad to have the right “knowledge”, and no “zeal” for putting into practice! TIMOTHY’S JOB WAS TO SEE THAT THE THESSALONIANS HAD BOTH! And by Christ’s enabling grace, that’s what we should be striving for in our individual and collective lives.
(2) Paul continues on in verses three and four, saying, “we sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith” (v. 2), 3“so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:3-4).
(a) There are different kinds of “affliction” in this fallen world – but the kind Paul had in mind in this instance are those he spoke of earlier in chapter two, when he commended the Thessalonians for “enduring the same kind of suffering at the hands of their countrymen that the Christians living in Judea had suffered at the hands of unbelieving Jews” (c.f. I Thessalonians 2:14). In other words, he’s talking about “afflictions” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:3) that come as a direct result of being a Christian – “afflictions” that come as a direct result of our having made a profession of faith in Christ.
(b) Scripture never promises Christians a life of ease, or public approval.8 As a matter of fact, Jesus once said: “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for their fathers used to treat the false prophets in the same way” (c.f. Luke 6:26). It’s true that for a time Jesus “increased in favor with men” (c.f. Luke 2:52) – but that soon came to an end. And it’s also true that early on, the Christians in Jerusalem enjoyed the “favor of the people” (c.f. Acts 2:46) – but that didn’t last long.
I can’t stress too strongly that you and I should NOT go around looking for trouble – and, we always need to make sure we’re not the one whose doctrine or behavior is in error (thereby making our suffering justified, in a manner of speaking) (c.f. I Peter 2:20). But these things aside – if we are a Christian, who’s faithfully putting God’s word into practice, then sooner or later someone at work, or school, or sometimes even in the church, is going to resent us and dislike us for it.
(c) Hence, we shouldn’t be surprised or “disturbed” when “affliction” comes our way on account of our faith in Christ (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:3). Peter once said: “Beloved, DO NOT BE SURPRISED at the fiery ordeal … which comes upon you for your testing, AS THOUGH SOME STRANGE THING were happening to you” (c.f. I Peter 4:12) – while John said: “DO NOT BE SURPRISED, brethren, if the world hates you” (c.f. I John 3:13).
Actually, we should probably be surprised if no one has ever hated us, or disliked us, or resented us – or if we have never suffered any affliction whatsoever for being a Christian – for that would truly be a “strange thing” as far as Scripture is concerned (c.f. I Peter 4:12).
(d) Paul told the Thessalonian believers that he (and they)9 had “been destined for this” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:3) – in other words, it was part of God’s sovereign plan that he (and they)9 suffer these afflictions. Therefore, why should any Christian be surprised (or “disturbed”) when what God has ordained to happen comes to pass?! It’s only when we assume that we don’t deserve to be afflicted – or that God is being unfair by allowing us to suffer – that we get into trouble in terms of our thinking, and feelings, and even our behavior.
When Paul was converted, the Book of Acts says God showed him “how much he was going to have to suffer for Christ’s sake” (c.f. Acts 9:15-16)! Later we’re told those sufferings included being whipped, beaten with rods, and shipwrecked (all multiple times) – being cold, hungry, and falsely imprisoned (c.f. II Corinthians 11:23-28). And though the Christians in Thessalonica had not been told exactly what they would have to suffer for the sake of Christ, Paul says in verse four that he had told them “in advance … (he and they) were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass …” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:4).
If someone tells us what’s going to happen ahead of time, why should we be surprised or “disturbed” when it happens (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:3)? John Calvin said, “there is no reason why believers should feel dismayed on occasion of (affliction), as though it were a thing that was new and unusual, inasmuch as this is our condition, which the Lord has assigned to us.”10 William Hendricksen adds that, “afflictions that have been predicted, and that take place in accordance with this prediction, serve to strengthen (our) faith.”9 Hence, we’re told in the Book of Acts that, after being flogged and ordered never to preach about Jesus ever again, the apostles “went on their way … rejoicing that they had been considered worthy to suffer shame for (the) name (of Christ)” (c.f. Acts 5:40-41). In other words, one of the reassurances God gives us, that we really are a Christian, is when we suffer for no other reason than for the sake of Christ.
(3) And that brings us finally to verse five, where Paul says: “For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:5).
(a) Here, for the second time (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:1), Paul says that when he finally reached the point where he just couldn’t stand it any longer, he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to find out how the believers there were doing (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:5). In verse one, Paul said he did so because of the deep affection he had for the Thessalonian Christians. But now, here in verse five, he adds a second “reason” – namely because of all the “afflictions” they had been suffering (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:3-4). In other words, he wanted to see if they had been able to weather the storm11 (so to speak) – the storm of trials and afflictions, of sufferings and persecution.
(b) Paul’s concern was that “the tempter” (which is a reference to Satan) (that “the tempter”) might have used these sufferings and afflictions to cause some of the Thessalonian converts to fall away from the faith, thereby rendering his efforts among them “in vain” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:5).
Paul, who often taught the doctrine of election (c.f. Colossians 3:12; Romans 9:10-13; Ephesians 1:4-6), also understood that he was in a battle for men’s souls with “the spiritual forces of darkness” (c.f. Ephesians 6:12). Hence, he never took anything for granted. For someone who outwardly professed enthusiastic faith in Christ today, might – under the pressure of “affliction or persecution” – decide to turn their back on that faith tomorrow (c.f. Matthew 13:20-21). As a result, Paul was constantly concerned about how the believers he left behind in various cities were doing. Hence, he told the Corinthians: “I am afraid that, as the serpent deceived Eve by his craftiness, your minds will be led astray from the simplicity and purity of devotion to Christ” (c.f. II Corinthians 11:3) – and to the Galatians: “I fear for you, that perhaps I have labored over you in vain” (c.f. Galatians 4:11). Thus, it’s not at all out of character for him to tell the Thessalonians: “I was afraid … the devil had tempted you, (so that) our hard work would have been wasted” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:5, ICB).
(c) Now, I suppose someone could construe that all this implies true Christians can lose their salvation – otherwise, Paul would not have been so concerned about the Thessalonians’ spiritual condition in the face of affliction. But that’s not Paul’s concern at all (i.e. he’s not concerned that some of them may lose their salvation). He’s concerned about something else, which can be summed up as follows – while in Thessalonica, a large number of people made enthusiastic professions of faith in Christ (c.f. Acts 17:1-4). HOWEVER, Paul was forced to leave before he had time to finish his work there (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:10) – and so, he was left wondering whether their response to the preaching of the Gospel had been genuine, or merely emotional?12
In his absence, persecution in Thessalonica continues – which adds to his wonderment. Will this affliction prove that the faith of the Thessalonians is genuine, by their standing firm – or will their falling away prove their professions of faith were false?12
Eventually Paul reaches the point where he can no longer stand being in the dark. And so he sends Timothy back to Thessalonica to find out – and Timothy returns with a glowing report, praising the Thessalonians (in verse six) for their “faith and love” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:6) – and for their perseverance in the face of persecution.12
Being now thoroughly convinced that the conversion of the Thessalonians has been genuine, and not merely outward, Paul writes this letter we are currently studying – in which he expresses the concerns he once had (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:5), but which have now been alleviated by Timothy’s report (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:6-8). Hence, he says (in verse eight): “For now we really live, since you ARE standing firm in the Lord” (c.f. I Thessalonians 3:8, NIV).12 All of which led William Hendricksen to say that: “When we take these events in the order in which they occurred, we see that Paul is not suggesting God’s truly chosen people can lose their salvation. On the contrary, he is rejoicing that affliction has proven their faith to be genuine.”12
(d) Only time (coupled with hardship and suffering) will prove whether anyone’s profession of faith in Christ is genuine – or merely superficial. Hence, Jesus said – not once, but at least twice – “the one who endures to the end … will be saved” (c.f. Matthew 10:22; 24:13).
We are saved by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone – without any effort or work on our part (c.f. Ephesians 2:8-9). At the same time, however, the evidence of whether we have been saved in that manner or not will be borne out by whether we endure to the end. Hence, every day says something about our salvation. Every trial, every hardship, every affliction puts the validity of our profession of faith to the test.
Paul rejoiced that the way in which the Thessalonians handled affliction and suffering gave evidence that their faith in Christ was genuine. May the afflictions you and I face – coupled with the way we handle them – give similar evidence that God’s saving, sanctifying grace is at work in our lives as well.
1MacArthur: The MacArthur New Testament Commentary;
1 & 2 Thessalonians; p. 76.
2http://www.wpcpca.org/Archive/03-14-10-am.html
3The English Standard Study Bible: Footnote on II Corinthians
12:7; p. 2238.
4The New Geneva Study Bible: Footnote on Galatians 6:11;
p. 1858.
5MacArthur: Ibid; p. 77.
6Calvin’s Commentaries; Vol. XXI; Commentaries on the
Epistles to the Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians;
pgs. 264.
7MacArthur: Ibid; p. 78.
8The New Geneva Study Bible: Footnote on I Thessalonians
3:3-4; p. 1896.
9Hendricksen: New Testament Commentary; I & II
Thessalonians; p. 85.
10Calvin: Ibid; p. 266.
11MacArthur: Ibid; p. 80.
12Hendricksen: Ibid; p. 86.