1 Thessalonians 3
AOSN1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
After preaching in Berea, Paul left Macedonia and sailed to Athens. He instructed Silas and Timothy to join him soon (Acts 17:13–15). Timothy returned to Thessalonica because Paul had become more concerned about the Thessalonian church (1 Thessalonians 3:2; 3:1, 5).
1 Thessalonians 3:3
we are destined for this: Suffering for the faith is often part of a Christian's life (1:6; 2:14; Philippians 1:29; 1 Peter 1:6; 2:21; 3:17; 4:19).
1 Thessalonians 3:5
Paul had concern that Satan, the tempter, had weakened the Thessalonians’ faith (Mark 1:13; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6, 8). He was checking to make sure his efforts among them were not useless (Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16).
1 Thessalonians 3:6
Paul wrote 1 Thessalonians from Corinth soon after Timothy came back from Thessalonica (3:2, 5; Acts 18:5). Timothy's report brought good news about the Thessalonians' faith, love, perseverance, and hope (1 Thessalonians 3:8; see also 5:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4).
1 Thessalonians 3:8
Paul felt troubled by his current situation (3:7) and deeply concerned for the church (3:1, 5). He felt relieved to hear that the Thessalonians remained strong and firm in the Lord, even while suffering (2:14; 3:3–4).
1 Thessalonians 3:11
Paul prays to return to Thessalonica soon (3:10). He addresses both the Father and the Lord Jesus, which implies that Jesus is divine.
1 Thessalonians 3:12
This church was known for their love for each other as members of God's family (4:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:3–4). Paul prays that their love will increase and reach those outside the Christian community even when they suffer persecution (see 1 Thessalonians 5:15; Galatians 6:10; 2 Timothy 2:24; Titus 3:2).
1 Thessalonians 3:13
In the final part of this prayer, Paul prays that their hearts will be strong, innocent, and holy. Here, the word hearts means their behavior and moral strength (3:11–13; Matthew 5:8; Acts 15:9; Hebrews 10:22).
When Jesus comes, he will be with all his holy people. This may mean angels (Deuteronomy 33:2; Psalm 89:5, 7; Daniel 4:13; 8:13; Matthew 13:41; Mark 8:38; 13:26–27; 2 Thessalonians 1:7).
Aquifer Open Study Notes © 2026 Mission Mutual, an adaptation of the Tyndale Open Study Notes © 2023 Tyndale House Publishers. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0.