1 From Thessalonica, Paul had been taken to the city of Berea. From there, he journeyed to Athens, the capital of Greece (Acts 17:13-15).
Paul cared deeply about the new believers in Thessalonica. Paul had been forced to leave them so quickly. They were only infants in Christ; already persecution had come upon them, and Paul couldn’t be there to help them. Paul was filled with worry about whether they were standing firm in the faith or not.
2 Therefore, Paul sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage them.
3-4 The Thessalonians knew that trials must come; Paul had warned them it would be so. And trials did come. So let the Thessalonians not be surprised or discouraged. We have been destined to endure trials; indeed, such trials are for our good (see Romans 5:3; James 1:2-3; 1 Peter 3:12-13). Those who suffer for Christ on earth will share in His glory in heaven (Matthew 10:22; Acts 14:22; Romans 8:17-18; 2 Timothy 2:12).
Therefore, let us rejoice in our suffering for Christ, for great will be our reward in heaven (Matthew 5:10-12; John 16:33).
5 The tempter Paul mentions here is Satan (Matthew 4:3,10). Satan tries to tempt believers to leave their faith. Satan is always working. He especially attacks new believers, those who have only recently escaped from his kingdom and whose faith is still weak.
Satan works by leading believers into TEMPTATION (Matthew 6:13). Temptations are of many kinds. For example, a new believer may be pressured into performing some ritual connected with his former religion. He may fear he’ll lose his family inheritance if he refuses. Thus he is tempted to turn back and worship his old gods. But he must resist such a temptation. It’s much better to lose our earthly inheritance than to risk losing our heavenly inheritance.
There are other temptations for new believers, such as fear of imprisonment, fear of losing a job, fear of ridicule from one’s friends. All of these temptations come from Satan. Yet God, according to His eternal purposes, allows these temptations to come upon us in order to strengthen our faith.
There are, of course, many other temptations: doubt, fear, sickness, etc. Satan uses different methods to try to destroy our faith and block Christ’s work (see Matthew 13:39; Mark4:15; Luke 22:3; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 2 Corinthians 4:4; 12:7; 2 Thessalonians 2:9).
Yet this great enemy Satan has already been defeated by Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:15). And in Christ’s strength, we too, taking the shield of faith, can defeat Satan (Ephesians 6:16).
6-7 The main goal of a true pastor or preacher is to lead people to Christ and then help them grow in faith and in love. A pastor or preacher is like a parent to new believers (Galatians 4:19; 1 Thessalonians 2:8,11). This is why Paul was so overjoyed to hear good news about his spiritual children in Thessalonica.
Notice that Timothy brought good news concerning the Thessalonians’ faith and love (verse 6). Faith and love are the two most necessary and important things in our lives. If we had to describe the Christian life in just two words, we could do it by choosing the words faith and love (see Galatians 5:6 and comment).
8 For now we really live. On the one hand, Paul said: For to me, to live is Christ (Philippians 1:21). On the other hand, Paul “lives” in his spiritual children. If they remain strong in the Lord, that will be like “life” to Paul.
9-10 Paul desired to visit the Thessalonians again in order to supply what was lacking in their faith (see Romans 1:11). These new believers needed more spiritual wisdom; they needed solid food (see Hebrews 5:13-14; 6:1). They needed to go on to maturity in Christ (Ephesians 4:12-13).
11 Paul here calls God our God and Father. Christians are entitled to call God “our Father.” God is the Creator of all men, but He is not the Father of all men. He is the Father only of those who are adopted into His family through faith in Christ (Romans 8:15-16; Galatians 4:6-7).
Paul prays that God will clear the way for him to come to Thessalonica. Paul didn’t travel here and there according to his own desire and plan. Paul went only where God had “cleared the way”; he went only according to God’s guidance.
12 Paul prays that God might make the Thessalonians’ love increase. We Christians must always be increasing in spiritual qualities; we must always be growing. We cannot remain in the same condition. We must either grow or die. And as our love grows, it must grow not only for each other but also for everyone else.
13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy. To strengthen one’s heart means to strengthen one’s faith (see 1 Corinthians 1:8). Our goal is to be blameless and holy; God will not be satisfied with anything less (see Matthew 5:8,48; Ephesians 1:4 and comments). To be holy means to be “set apart” for God. This is why, in the New Testament, Christians are often called “saints,” or “holy ones.”
Angels also are called holy ones in the New Testament. When our Lord Jesus comes to earth again, the angels will be with him (Mark 8:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7). Jesus will come to judge all men (John 5:22; 2 Timothy 4:1). Therefore, let us go on striving in Jesus’ strength to be blameless and holy, remembering this, that one day we will all have to stand before His judgment seat (Romans 14:10; 2 Corinthians 5:10; 1 John 2:28)
1. Wherefore, when we could no longer endure. By the detail which follows, he assures them of the desire of which he had spoken. For if, on being detained elsewhere, he had sent no other to Thessalonica in his place, it might have seemed as though he were not so much concerned in regard to them; but when he substitutes Timothy in his place, he removes that suspicion, more especially when he prefers them before himself. Now that he esteemed them above himself, he shews from this, that he chose rather to be left alone than that they should be deserted: for these words, we judged it good to be left alone, are emphatic. Timothy was a most faithful companion to him: he had at that time no others with him; hence it was inconvenient and distressing for him to be without him. It is therefore a token of rare affection and anxious desire that he does not refuse to deprive himself of all comfort, with the view of relieving the Thessalonians. To the same effect is the word εὐδοκήσαμεν, which expresses a prompt inclination of the mind. (554)
(554) “Vne affection prompte et procedante d’vn franc coeur;” — “A prompt disposition, proceeding from a ready mind.”
2. Our brother. He assigns to him these marks of commendation, that he may shew the more clearly how much inclined he was to consult their welfare: for if he had sent them some common person, it could not have afforded them much assistance; and inasmuch as Paul would have done this without inconvenience to himself, he would have given no remarkable proof of his fatherly concern in regard to them. It is, on the other hand, a great thing that he deprives himself of a brother and fellow-laborer, and one to whom, as he declares in Phi 2:20, he found no equal, inasmuch as all aimed at the promotion of their own interests. In the mean time, (555) he procures authority for the doctrine which they had received from Timothy, that it may remain the more deeply impressed upon their memory.
It is, however, with good reason that he says that he had sent Timothy with this view — that they might receive a confirmation of their faith from his example. They might be intimidated by unpleasant reports as to persecutions; but Paul’s undaunted constancy was fitted so much the more to animate them, so as to keep them from giving way. And, assuredly, the fellowship which ought to subsist between the saints and members of Christ extends even thus far — that the faith of one is the consolation of others. Thus, when the Thessalonians heard that Paul was going on with indefatigable zeal, and was by strength of faith surmounting all dangers and all difficulties, and that his faith continued everywhere victorious against Satan and the world, this brought them no small consolation. More especially we are, or at least ought to be, stimulated by the examples of those by whom we were instructed in the faith, as is stated in the end of the Epistle to the Hebrews. (Heb 13:7) Paul, accordingly, means that they ought to be fortified by his example, so as not to give way under their afflictions. As, however, they might have been offended if Paul had entertained a fear lest they should all give way under persecutions, (inasmuch as this would have been an evidence of excessive distrust,) he mitigates this harshness by saying — lest any one, or, that no one. There was, however, good reason to fear this, as there are always some weak persons in every society.
(555) “En parlant ainsi;” — “By speaking, thus.”
3. For ye yourselves know. As all would gladly exempt themselves from the necessity of bearing the cross, Paul teaches that there is no reason why believers should feel dismayed on occasion of persecutions, as though it were a thing that was new and unusual, inasmuch as this is our condition, which the Lord has assigned to us. For this manner of expression — we are appointed to it — is as though he had said, that we are Christians on this condition. He says, however, that they know it, because it became them to fight the more bravely, (556) inasmuch as they had been forewarned in time. In addition to this, incessant afflictions made Paul contemptible among rude and ignorant persons. On this account he states that nothing had befallen him but what he had long before, in the manner of a prophet, foretold.
(556) “Plus vaillamment et courageusement;” — “More valiantly and courageously.”
5. Lest perhaps the tempter has tempted you. By this term he teaches us that temptations are always to be dreaded, because it is the proper office of Satan to tempt. As, however, he never ceases to place ambushes for us on all sides, and to lay snares for us all around, so we must be on our watch, eagerly taking heed. And now he says openly what in the outset he had avoided saying, as being too harsh — that he had felt concerned lest his labors should be vain, if, peradventure, Satan should prevail. And this he does that they may be carefully upon their watch, and may stir themselves up the more vigorously to resistance.
He shews here, by another argument, by what an extraordinary affection he was actuated towards them, inasmuch as he was transported almost out of his senses by the joyful intelligence of their being in a prosperous condition. For we must take notice of the circumstances which he relates. He was in affliction and necessity: there might have seemed, therefore, no room for cheerfulness. But when he hears what was much desired by him respecting the Thessalonians, as though all feeling of his distresses had been extinguished, he is carried forward to joy and congratulation. At the same time he proceeds, by degrees, in expressing the greatness of his joy, for he says, in the first place, we received consolation: afterwards he speaks of a joy that was plentifully poured forth. (557) This congratulation, (558) however, has the force of an exhortation; and Paul’s intention was to stir up the Thessalonians to perseverance. And, assuredly, this must have been a most powerful excitement, when they learned that the holy Apostle felt so great consolation and joy from the advancement of their piety.
6Faith and love. This form of expression should be the more carefully observed by us in proportion to the frequency with which it is made use of by Paul, for in these two words he comprehends briefly the entire sum of true piety. Hence all that aim at this twofold mark during their whole life are beyond all risk of erring: all others, however much they may torture themselves, wander miserably. The third thing that he adds as to their good remembrance of him, refers to respect entertained for the Gospel. For it was on no other account that they held Paul in such affection and esteem.
(557) “Ample et abondante;” — “Large and overflowing.”
(558) “Ceste façon de tesmoigner la ioye qu’il sent de la fermete des Thessaloniciens;” — “This manner of testifying the joy which he feels in the steadfastness of the Thessalonians.”
8. For now we live. Here it appears still more clearly that Paul almost forgot himself for the sake of the Thessalonians, or, at least, making regard for himself a mere secondary consideration, devoted his first and chief thoughts to them. At the same time he did not do that so much from affection to men as from a desire for the Lord’s glory. For zeal for God and Christ glowed in his holy breast to such a degree that it in a manner swallowed up all other anxieties. “We live, ” says he, that is, “we are in good health, if you persevere in the Lord. ” And under the adverb now, he repeats what he had formerly stated, that he had been greatly pressed down by affliction and necessity; yet he declares that whatever evil he endures in his own person does not hinder his joy. “Though in myself I am dead, yet in your welfare I live. ” By this all pastors are admonished what sort of connection ought to subsist between them and the Church — that they reckon themselves happy when it goes well with the Church, although they should be in other respects encompassed with many miseries, and, on the other hand, that they pine away with grief and sorrow if they see the building which they have constructed in a state of decay, although matters otherwise should be joyful and prosperous.
9. For what thanksgiving. Not satisfied with a simple affirmation, he intimates how extraordinary is the greatness of his joy, by asking himself what thanks he can render to God; for by speaking thus he declares that he cannot find an expression of gratitude that can come up to the measure of his joy. He says that he rejoices before God, that is, truly and without any pretense.
10Praying beyond measure. He returns to an expression of his desire. For it is never allowable for us to congratulate men, while they live in this world, in such unqualified terms as not always to desire something better for them. For they are as yet in the way: they may fall back, or go astray, or even go back. Hence Paul is desirous to have opportunity given him of supplying what is wanting in the faith of the Thessalonians, or, which is the same thing, completing in all its parts their faith, which was as yet imperfect. Yet this is the faith which he had previously extolled marvelously. But from this we infer, that those who far surpass others are still far distant from the goal. Hence, whatever progress we may have made, let us always keep in view our deficiencies, (ὑστερήματα,) (559) that we may not be reluctant to aim at something farther.
From this also it appears how necessary it is for us to give careful attention to doctrine, for teachers (560) were not appointed merely with the view of leading men, in the course of a single day or month, to the faith of Christ, but for the purpose of perfecting the faith which has been begun. But as to Paul’s claiming for himself what he elsewhere declares belongs peculiarly to the Holy Spirit, (1Co 14:14) this must be restricted to the ministry. Now, as the ministry of a man is inferior to the efficacy of the Spirit, and to use the common expression, is subordinate to it, nothing is detracted from it. When he says that he prayed night and day beyond all ordinary measure, (561) we may gather from these words how assiduous he was in praying to God, and with what ardor and earnestness he discharged that duty.
(559) “Τστερήματα πίστεως. —Afterings of faith, as it may be significantly enough rendered, let but the novelty of the expression be pardoned.” —Howe’s Works, (London, 1822,) volume 3 page 70.—Ed
(560) “Les Docteurs et ceux qui ont charge d’enseigner en l’Eglise;” — “Teachers and those that have the task of instructing in the Church.”
(561) “Night and day praying exceedingly —Supplicating God at all times; mingling this with all my prayers; ὑπὲρ ἐχπερισσοῦ δεόμενοι, abounding and superabounding in my entreaties to God, to permit me to revisit you.” —Dr. A. Clarke. —Ed
11Now God himself. He now prays that the Lord, having removed Satan’s obstructions, may open a door for himself, and be, as it were, the leader and director of his way to the Thessalonians. By this he intimates, that we cannot move a step with success, (562) otherwise than under God’s guidance, but that when he holds out his hand, it is to no purpose that Satan employs every effort to change the direction of our course. We must take notice that he assigns the same office to God and to Christ, as, unquestionably, the Father confers no blessing upon us except through Christ’s hand. When, however, he thus speaks of both in the same terms, he teaches that Christ has divinity and power in common with the Father.
(562) “Nous ne pouuons d’vn costé ne d’autre faire vn pas qui proufite et viene a bien;” — “We cannot on one side or another take a step that may be profitable or prosperous.”
12And the Lord fill you. Here we have another prayer — that in the mean time, while his way is obstructed, the Lord, during his absence, may confirm the Thessalonians in holiness, and fill them with love. And from this again we learn in what the perfection of the Christian life consists — in love and pure holiness of heart, flowing from faith. He recommends love mutually cherished towards each other, and afterwards towards all, for as it is befitting that a commencement should be made with those that are of the household of faith, (Gal 6:10) so our love ought to go forth to the whole human race. Farther, as the nearer connection must be cherished, (563) so we must not overlook those who are farther removed from us, so as to prevent them from holding their proper place.
He would have the Thessalonians abound in love and be filled with it, because in so far as we make progress in acquaintance with God, the love of the brethren must at the same time increase in us, until it take possession of our whole heart, the corrupt love of self being extirpated. He prays that the love of the Thessalonians may be perfected by God, intimating that its increase, no less than its commencement, was from God alone. Hence it is evident how preposterous a part those act who measure our strength by the precepts of the Divine law. The end of the law is love, says Paul, (1Ti 1:5) yet he himself declares that it is a work of God. When, therefore, God marks out our life, (564) he does not look to what we can do, but requires from us what is above our strength, that we may learn to ask from him power to accomplish it. When he says — as we also towards you, he stimulates them by his own example.
(563) “Il faut recognoistre et entretenir;” — “We must recognize and maintain.”
(564) “Nous prescrit en ses commandemens la regle de viure;” — “Prescribes to us in his commandments the rule of life.”
13That he may confirm your hearts. He employs the term hearts here to mean conscience, or the innermost part of the soul; for he means that a man is acceptable to God only when he brings holiness of heart; that is, not merely external, but also internal. But it is asked, whether by means of holiness we stand at God’s judgment-seat, for if so, to what purpose is remission of sins? Yet Paul’s words seem to imply this — that their consciences might be irreproveable in holiness. I answer, that Paul does not exclude remission of sins, through which it comes that our holiness, which is otherwise mixed up with many pollutions, bears God’s eye, for faith, by which God is pacified towards us, so as to pardon our faults, (565) precedes everything else, as the foundation comes before the building. Paul, however, does not teach us what or how great the holiness of believers may be, but desires that it may be increased, until it attain its perfection. On this account he says — at the coming of our Lord, meaning that the completion of those things, which the Lord now begins in us, is delayed till that time.
With all his saints. This clause may be explained in two ways, either as meaning that the Thessalonians, with all saints, may have pure hearts at Christ’s coming, or that Christ will come with all his saints. While I adopt this second meaning, in so far as concerns the construction of the words, I have at the same time no doubt that Paul employed the term saints for the purpose of admonishing us that we are called by Christ for this end—that we may be gathered with all his saints. For this consideration ought to whet our desire for holiness.
(565) “Nous fautes et infirmitez vicieuses;” — “Our faults and culpable infirmities.”
1Th 3:2. Our fellow-labourer- It appears, from Act 17:14 that Timothy had been in those parts before, as St. Paul's fellow-labourer; and as, doubtless, he was well known to the Thessalonians, his coming, on this occasion, would be the more agreeable to them.
1Th 3:3. For yourselves know- Here seems to be a particular allusion to Act 9:15-16; Act 20:23. What Apostles, prophets, and even common Christians were to expect in the world, see Mat 10:34-36. Act 17:5. Rom 8:17. Eph 3:13. &c. &c.
1Th 3:6. But now when Timotheus came, &c.- This should rather be read, But now that Timothy is come,-and hath brought,- therefore (1Th 3:7.) we are comforted.
1Th 3:8. For now we live, if, &c.- "For now I live, indeed; I relish and enjoy life, seeing you continue steadfast in the profession, faith, and practice of the Christian religion, in which, through the favour of God,I was employed in initiating you." Here is a pattern for all the pastors of the Christian church. It would have deprived this great Apostle of much of the satisfaction and comfort of his life, to haveheard that his converts in general, at Thessalonica or elsewhere, did not persevere; but it was happiness, it was comfort, it was life worth enjoying, to hear of their steadiness and perseverance.
1Th 3:11. Direct our way unto you.- This prayer of St. Paul was heard, and his request granted; for he had an opportunity to go over Macedonia again once or twice, and to give them much exhortation, Act 20:1-3. He then most probably perfected what was still wanting in their faith, and rectified or confirmed them as to their experience and practice.
1Th 3:13. The coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.- How often and how skilfully does St. Paul mention the Lord Jesus Christ, and his coming to judgment, to support and animate them both to do and to suffer, according to the good and holy and acceptable will of God! See Dan 7:10. When our Lord Jesus Christ comes thus attended, he will present all his sincere and faithful followers to his Father, unblameable in holiness. Who would not desire to be thus presented to God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, attended by all his saints, and all the holy angels! See 2Co 11:2. Eph 5:27. 2Pe 3:14.
Inferences.-What an amiable example to gospel-ministers has the great Apostle held forth, in his warm affection to, and solicitous concern for, the church! They, like him, ought to demonstrate their love to, and use all means for, the establishment and comfort of the souls that are under their guidance and care; and for taking off discouragements which might arise from the hardships for the sake of the gospel, which God, in his wise providence, may have allotted to them, and given them reason to expect. And, ah! what a touching and painful grief of heart is it, to tender and faithful pastors, to be afraid, lest, through the subtlety and violence of Satan and his emissaries, professors, of whom they have hoped well, should miscarry, and all the labour which had been spent upon them should come to nothing! But O! the joy which springs up in their souls, and adds a relish to life itself, when they find that their dearly beloved charge continue steadfast in the faith, and that their faith works by love to Christ and one another, and to his ministering servants, especially to such of them as have been instruments of their conversion; and that it spreads with a benevolent temper towards all mankind! How does their knowledge of this engage their thankfulness to God, and animate them to go on with cheerfulness and joy in all their services and sufferings; and to contribute what in them lies for the further establishment of their flocks in faith and love, and for perfecting all which concerns them, that they may be unblameable in holiness in the sight of God, until, and in, the day of Christ! For this they have a longing desire to see them, and be further helpful to them; for this they labour, whether present or absent, looking up to God to direct their way; and for this they continually pray to the God of all grace, as their God and Father in Christ, and to the Lord Jesus, as their great Head and Mediator, who will certainly appear a second time, to the salvation of all his faithful saints. And may it be our chief concern, and happy lot, to be found among those who will be gathered together to glorify him at the last day!
REFLECTIONS.-1st. The solicitude which the Apostle felt toward his Thessalonians, engaged him to send Timothy to them, and to be left alone at Athens, however useful or comfortable such a friend, at that time, might be to him. Wherefore, when we could no longer forbear, so anxious was I to hear of your affairs, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; and sent Timotheus our brother and minister of God, and our fellow-labourer in the gospel of Christ; and this in order also to establish you in the truth, to build you up in the glorious doctrines of the gospel of Jesus, and to comfort you concerning your faith, exhorting you to abide unshaken in your profession, and suggesting the most encouraging motives thereto; that no man should be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. God has been pleased, for his own glory and the good of his church, in his permissive Providence, to suffer his servant to be thus persecuted; for verily when we were with you we concealed nothing from you, but told you plainly before the persecutions came, that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause, when I could no longer forbear reflecting upon your very critical and trying circumstances, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter should have tempted you to turn back from the profession of Christ, and our labour be in vain, notwithstanding all the promising appearances which emboldened my confident hope in your fidelity. Note; (1.) We must count the cost before we inlist under Christ's banner. (2.) The devil usually seeks to discourage new converts by the violent opposition which he raises against them. (3.) Faithful ministers labour to confirm the faith, and to comfort the hearts of those who are suffering for righteousness' sake.
2nd, The Apostle:
1. Expresses the vast satisfaction which he felt at Timothy's report: but now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your unshaken faith in Christ, and fervent charity towards each other; and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you; therefore, brethren, we were comforted, and all my anxious fears gave place to holy joy in and over you, in all our affliction and distress, which we were here suffering when Timotheus arrived, but which were now made light and easy, by the knowledge of your faith in Jesus, and fidelity to his cause; for now we live and are happy in the midst of all our persecutions and dangers, if, or seeing ye stand fast in the Lord, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel. Note; Nothing is such an encouragement to suffer for Christ and his gospel, as seeing the happy effects of our labours upon those among whom we minister.
2. The glad news filled him with thankfulness to God, and opened his heart and lips in prayer. For what thanks can we render to God again for you, or how sufficiently express our gratitude, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God, night and day praying exceedingly, with unusual fervour and vehemence, that, if the Lord so pleased, we might see your face again, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith, helping you to farther and clearer discoveries of the gospel, and leading you to fuller and more assured confidence in the Lord? Note; (1.) The strongest believers need still to have their faith increased. (2.) The ministry of the word is the great means which God usually blesses for that happy purpose.
3. He tells them what was a constant subject of his prayers for them. Now God himself and our Father, who, as God, hath all power to supply every want of his people, and, as our reconciled God and Father, is, in the fulness of his love and grace, disposed most tenderly towards us; and our Lord Jesus Christ, who is equally with the Father the object of our prayers, and through whose mediation we receive an answer of peace, direct our way unto you, and in his providence enable us to accomplish the purposes that we have formed. And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one towards another, and towards all men, even as we do towards you, advancing to higher attainments in this godlike temper; to the end that he may stablish your hearts in faith and love, unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, approving yourselves to him in all simplicity and godly sincerity, that you may be acknowledged by him at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ to judgment, with all his saints, who in that day shall stand before his throne, and share his triumphs. Note; (1.) An increase in love is the best symptom of the flourishing state of the Christian's soul. (2.) All God's people desire to be found unblameable in holiness before him, and so to walk as to please him well in all things. (3.) It is God alone by his grace who can make us such as he would have us to be; therefore to him must we, without ceasing, direct our prayer. (4.) The Lord Jesus shall quickly come in glory with all his saints. Happy the soul that shall then have boldness in his presence.
