Bible Version: New International Version (NIV)
Application Notes: Life Application Study Bible (NIV)
1 THESSALONIANS 3
1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.
Timothy’s Encouraging Report
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you. 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you again and supply what is lacking in your faith.
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. 12 May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. 13 May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.
Application Notes
3:1-3 Trials and troubles in life come for many reasons: sin, a lack of faith, the consequences of living in a fallen world, and Satan's attacks. Sometimes God allows hardship to make us depend on him. Experiencing problems and persecutions can build character (James 1:2-4), perseverance (Romans 5:3-5), and sensitivity toward others who also face trouble (2 Corinthians 1:3-7). Problems are unavoidable for God's people, so use them to humble yourself before God and ask him to increase your faith. Also take comfort that your troubles may actually. be a sign of faithful Christian living.
3:2-5 Because Paul could not return to Thessalonica (2:18), he had sent Timothy as his representative. According to Acts 17:10, Paul had left Thessalonica and gone to Berea. When trouble had broken out in Berea, some Christians took Paul to Athens, while Silas and Timothy stayed behind (Acts 17:13-15). Then Paul directed Silas and Timothy to join him in Athens. Later, Paul sent Timothy to encourage the Thessalonian Christians to be strong in their faith in the face of persecution and other troubles.
3:4 Some people turn to God with the hope of escaping suffering on earth. But God doesn't promise that. Instead, he gives us power to grow through our sufferings and to learn that we are not alone. The Christian life involves obedience to Christ despite temptations and hardships.
3:5 Satan ("the tempter") is the most powerful of the evil spirits. His power can affect both the spiritual world (Ephesians 2:1-3; 6:10-12) and the physical world (2 Corinthians 12:7-10). Satan even tempted Jesus, though he failed (Matthew 4:1-11). Jesus defeated Satan when he died on the cross for our sins and rose again to bring us new life. At the proper time, God will overthrow Satan forever (Revelation 20:7-10).
3:7-8 During time of persecution or pressure, believers should encourage one another. Christians who stand firm in the Lord are an encouragement to ministers and teachers (who can see the benefit of their work in those who remain faithful) and an encouragement to those who are new in their faith (who can learn from the steadfastness of the mature).
3:9-10 Seeing another person come to faith in Christ and mature in that faith brings great joy to a Christian. Paul experienced this joy countless times. He thanked God for those who had come to know Christ and for their strong faith. He also prayed for their continued growth. If new Christians have brought you joy, thank God for them and support them as they continue to grow in the faith. Likewise, have you benefited from the ministry of others? Has someone's guidance and faithfulness stimulated you to grow in Christ? Consider how you may bring that person some word of encouragement or some thoughtful gift. Let that important person know that you have followed his or her example by being faithful to Christ.
3:11 Paul wanted to return to Thessalonica. Although we have no explicit mention of his return there, he almost certainly stopped by as he passed through Macedonia on his third journey (see Acts 20:1-2). This is supported by his being joined by Aristarchus and Secundus, who were from Thessalonica (Acts 20:4-5).
3:12 If we are full of God's love, it will overflow to others. It's not enough merely to be courteous to others; we must actively and persistently show love to them. Our love should be growing continually. If your capacity to love has remained unchanged for some time, ask God to fill you again with his never-ending supply. Then look for opportunities to let his love spill over in refreshment to others.
3:13 "When our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones" refers to the second coming of Christ, when he will establish his eternal kingdom. At that time, Christ will gather all believers--those who have died and those who are alive--into one united family under his rule. All believers from all times, including these Thessalonian believers, will live with Christ in his kingdom.
Taken from Life Application Study Bible - Third Edition - (NIV)