1 Thessalonians Chapter 3
The Model Brother and His Sanctification
3:1 So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens alone.
Paul and Silas were thrown out of Thessalonica for teaching the gospel. They wanted to return to finish teaching the entire counsel of the Word of God. However, Satan hindered them from returning.
3:2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith,
Paul and Silas stayed in Athens, but they sent Timothy to Thessalonica. Paul had to give Timothy a special introduction, because of his youth. Timothy may not have been accepted if Paul did not personally recommend him and list his qualifications. Timothy was to strengthen and encourage them with more Bible doctrine. Perhaps he would complete what Paul was not allowed to finish.
3:3 so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.
The Greek word for "shaken" is σαίνω (sainow), meaning to wag the tail. The Greek word for "afflictions" is θλῖψις (thlipsis), meaning to apply internal pressures that squeezes one into a very tight and narrow place. The Greek word for "destined" is κεῖμαι (keimai), meaning specially appointed. The Greek verb is in the present tense, meaning that it is a continual special appointment. Paul reminded the Thessalonians of a spiritual truth that they already understood. Believers are given a special continual appointment to receive inward pressures. These afflictions will happen but they are not to shake the believer, but to stabilize him during the storms to come.
3:4 For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.
Paul had warned the Thessalonians that afflictions would come. This is the very opposite message of what many prosperity teachers and seeker churches are giving out today.
3:5 So when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter somehow tempted you and our toil had proven useless.
The Greek word for "the tempter" is ὁ πειράζων (ho peipazown), meaning the one who tempts in a negative way. Satan tempted Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, King David at the census, and Jesus in the wilderness. Paul was the father, mother, and brother of these Thessalonian infants. He feared that Satan would tempt the Thessalonians away from the faith and back into Roman paganism. The Thessalonians would not lose their salvation, but they would lose their ministry and their crowns in heaven.
3:6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection and long to see us just as we also long to see you!
Timothy brought back the good news that the Thessalonians were genuine in their faith. They had been tempted, but they had enough Bible doctrine to overcome it.
3:7 So in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters, through your faith.
Paul sent Timothy to encourage and reassure the Thessalonians, but the Thessalonians had actually encouraged and reassured the elders.
3:8 For now we are alive again, if you stand firm in the Lord.
The first conjunction is a first class condition, while the second conjunction is a third class condition. Since Paul and his company were alive again, they expected that the Thessalonians would stand firm in the Lord against any further temptations.
3:9 For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we feel because of you before our God?
Notice that Paul gave God the credit for their ability to stand against the temptations of Satan. Paul was overfilled with joy that they were able to stand against the adversary.
3:10 We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person and make up what may be lacking in your faith.
Paul had a large prayer list. He prayed night and day as a father and mother would pray for their orphaned children. Notice that the Jewishness of Paul places night before day.
3:11 Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.
Since Paul was run out of town, he did not finish his teaching of full doctrine to the Thessalonians. He prayed night and day that he could return to finish this teaching.
3:12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you,
Notice that the Lord causes the increase. The Greek word for "abound" is περισσεύω (perisseuow), meaning to go beyond the expected measure. The Greek word for "love" is ἀγάπη (agape), meaning divine love. As the Lord causes the Thessalonians to increase in Bible doctrine, this will cause them to go beyond the expected measure of divine love. Only believers can express divine love. Divine love comes from the study and application of Bible doctrine.
3:13 so that your hearts are strengthened in holiness to be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
A believer can never be sinless, but he can become blameless by continually confessing his sins, such as is taught in 1 John 1:9. The Greek word for "coming" is παρουσία (parousia), meaning the coming of the owner who has the authority to deal with a bad situation. This would refer to the Second Coming. The Greek word for "with all his saints" is μετὰ πάντων τῶν ἁγίων αὐτοῦ (meta pantown town hagiown auto), meaning with his holy, set-apart ones, Jesus will appear two more times in the future. He will appear at the Rapture for His saints. He will appear at His Second Coming with His saints.
