1 Thess 3 — Paul’s Longing to See Them Again, Timothy’s Report
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
My prayer is for you to join me on this journey. Subscribe to this blog below to get an email when a new post is available.
Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
In this short chapter, Paul sets the stage for disappointment, reasoning that he expected Satan to destroy the new church planted in Thessalonica, “when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know” (1 Thessalonians 3:4). So they sent Timothy (Paul was probably in Corinth when writing this letter…same region, but some distance away) and what good news! “Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love” (3:6). This is a big deal for Paul and he lets them know “we were encouraged about you because of your faith” (3:7b).
However, the end of verse 10 makes us wonder what’s going on: “that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith” (3:10b). Hmmm, just what is lacking? That is why there are more chapters to read! Paul will uncover some of these in detail in the rest of the letter. Lord help me be consistent in my faith and love of you, your Word, your Gospel, and teach me wherever I am lacking!!