1 Thessalonians 3

1 we. “We” here evidently means Paul himself (see ver. 5), who, finding that he could not visit them, “could no longer forbear,” and therefore sent Timothy: see note on Acts xvii. 15.

3 yourselves know, etc. Both by your own experience and my forewarning (4): cp. 2 Tim. iii.

12. “St. Paul had told them of Christ’s saying (John xvi. 13)” (Bishop Alexander).

6 now when Timotheus came. This now is emphatic. Timothy had just returned to the apostle.

8 for now we live. Your stedfastness is life to me.

10 perfect that which is lacking, etc. Or, “supply the deficiencies of your faith.” Paul had been compelled to leave them almost immediately after their conversion (Acts xvii. 10), without instructing them so fully as he wished.

11 direct. By the guidance of Divine Providence. In this prayer, as also at 2 Thess. ii. 16, 17, the Lord Jesus is addressed equally with the Father; the verb which includes both being in the singular.

13. His saints. “His holy ones.”