A man seen from behind sits alone on a rocky hillside above the sea at dusk, a traveler’s satchel and staff beside him, looking north along an empty coast road.

The Book of

1 Thessalonians 3

Alone in Athens and sick with worry, Paul sends his young friend back to a church under fire.

13 verses≈ 3 min2 peopleBSB

Images are artistic interpretations.

Tap any post to go deeper

In this chapter

Where we are

1Thank GodFaith, love and hope at work
2:1–16Among youGentle as a mother, firm as a father
2:17–3:13Torn awayTimothy brings good newsChapter 3
4:1–12Please GodHoly, loving, quiet lives
4:13–5:28Until He comesHope, readiness, life together

Timothy’s Visit

A long colonnaded street in ancient Athens at dawn, lined with marble statues of gods on tall pedestals, the Acropolis rising beyond under a pale sky.

So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens.

Tap to go deeper: meaning, history and related Scripture

Paul

so that none of you would be shaken by these trials

1 Thessalonians 3:3

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.

Stylised map · locations approximate

On the map

Timothy’s journey

Paul waits in Athens while Timothy travels north, probably some 300 miles by road, to strengthen the young church in Thessalonica. By the time Timothy comes back with good news, Paul has moved on to Corinth, and that is where Timothy finds him (Acts 18:5). Paul writes this letter soon after.

Reflect

Not shaken

Paul sent Timothy “so that none of you would be shaken by these trials,” and he reminded them he had warned them trouble would come. Hardship had not taken God by surprise. What trial is pressing on you right now? What would it look like to stand firm in it, knowing God has not let go of you?

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you.

For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.

Question

Quick question

Paul was anxious for the young church, so he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to see how they were.

What news did Timothy bring back to Paul?

How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

A man seen from behind sits on a bench in a plain room at night, hands open on his knees in prayer, one clay lamp burning and a folded length of tent cloth beside him.

Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

0:07

Narrated by Bob Souer · BSB audio, public domain

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.

And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you overflows, so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

1 Thessalonians 3:12–13

Pray

Overflow with love

Pray Paul’s prayer for someone you love: that the Lord would cause them to “increase and overflow with love,” and “establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness” until Jesus comes. Then ask Him to do the same in you.

You’ve experienced

1 Thessalonians 3

0 of 5 chapters read

A verse to carry with you

1 Thessalonians 3:12–13

or swipe left