1 Thessalonians 3

KJ3 Literal Translation — Chapter 3 of 5

¹ So no longer enduring, we were pleased to be left in Athens alone,

² and sent Timothy, our brother and servant of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ to be the one to establish you and to encourage you concerning your faith,

³ that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

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Chapter Summary

Paul testifies his great love to the Thessalonians by sending Timothy to them to strengthen and comfort them.

Key Greek Words

πίστις faith G4102

ἀγάπη love G26

θλῖψις affliction G2347

στηρίζω to establish, strengthen G4741

ἁγιωσύνη holiness G42

παρουσία coming, presence G3952

People & Context

Timothy

Paul's brother and fellow worker, sent to establish the Thessalonians and bring back news [3:2,6]

Paul

Sent Timothy when he could endure no longer; comforted by the report of their faith [3:5,7]

Jesus Christ

The Lord at whose coming believers' hearts are to be established blameless [3:11,13]

God the Father

The One Paul prays to direct his way back to the Thessalonians [3:11,13]

Timeline

Timothy Sent from Athens

Unable to endure the separation any longer, Paul chose to remain alone in Athens and sent Timothy to establish and encourage the Thessalonians concerning their faith during affliction.

1 Thessalonians 3:1-3

Concern About the Tempter

Paul sent to learn about their faith out of concern that the tempter had somehow tempted them and that the apostolic labor might have been in vain.

1 Thessalonians 3:4-5

Timothy's Good Report

Timothy returned with good news of the Thessalonians' faith and love, and their constant good remembrance and longing for Paul, bringing great comfort amid affliction.

1 Thessalonians 3:6-8

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