Explanation of the Text. 1 Thess 3:1-2 Paul Longs to see the Thessalonians

Paul sends Timothy to Thessaloniki

1Th 3:1  So when we could endure it no longer, we decided to remain behind in Athens alone; 
1Th 3:2  and sent Timothy our brother and God's minister in the service of Christ's Good News, that he might help you spiritually and encourage you in your faith; 

So = wherefore; this shows another proof of His affection for them. He so strongly desired to see them but Satan had hindered him. 2:18

Paul was able to travel to Macedonia. He visited Ephesus where he left Timothy with the instruction, ‘Stay here and command those teaching false things to stop’ (1 Timothy 1:3). – Slide 2
Paul and Timothy



when we could endure it no longer,  He could stand it no longer : waiting to hear of their progress in the Faith and their state despite all the trials and testings. So he sent Timothy from Athens to find out.

v.2 Paul sent Timothy our brother and God's minister in the service of Christ's Good News
Timothy was a fellow worker NIV. = minister of God. He was emplyed by God in the proclamation of the Good News. [diakonon tou theou]. Here it used in the general sense not as an official deacon.

 that he might help you spiritually and encourage you in your faith; 
- to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith. (Shogren)
 Timothy left Athens and went north not just to gather information, but to carryout an apostolic ministry.
to help you spiritually or to strengthen you,  This was his PURPOSE.
Compare 1Th 3:13  Thus He will build up your characters, so that you will be faultlessly holy in the presence of our God and Father at the Coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones. 
2Th 2:17  comfort your hearts and make you steadfast in every good work and word. 
2Th 3:3  But the Lord is faithful, and He will make you steadfast and will guard you from the Evil one. 

Even though they are doing well the Apostle wants them to grow even more. Timothy wentto encourage them. stērizō
Thayer Definition:
1) to make stable, place firmly, set fast, fix
2) to strengthen, make firm
3) to render constant, confirm, one’s mind

for the sake of your faith. Faith was their active trust in God as they were being tested by difficult cirmstances.

This was Supervision and Care for the Church at its very best. Timothy is sent from Athens. His Purpose : was to build up(strengthen) and encourage them in their faith. What a Blessing this visit was to the young church suffering under constant opposition.

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