1 Thessalonians 3

1. 3:1-3 For what reasons did Paul send Timothy to Thessalonica?
   Class Answers:
   v. 1 – He was desperate to know how the Thessalonians were faring in his absence. He and Silas could no longer stand not knowing.
   v. 2 – To strengthen and encourage them in the faith. To encourage them in their knowledge of their Savior and to make certain they were secure in that faith.
   v. 3 – So that no one would be shaken by the persecutions. He wanted the Thessalonians to know that these current afflictions were signs that things were as they should be, rather than the reverse.
   Note: Persecution is a common theme in the New Testament. In our progressively more secular society, we shouldn’t be surprised when we are criticized or judged backward, or even hateful, because we condemn sinful practices.
   Matthew 5:10-12: Persecution is a cause of rejoicing
   John 15:12-21: If we choose not to be part of this world, we will be persecuted.
   2 Timothy 3:12: If we desire to live godly lives, we will be persecuted.
   1 Peter 4:12-14: Don’t be surprised by persecution, but rather rejoice in it.
2. 3:3-4 What were the evangelists destined (or appointed) for ?
   The question should read, What are Christians destined for?
   Class Answers: For persecution. For the very afflictions the Thessalonians were experiencing.
   Note: More warnings (promises) of persecution:
   Acts 9:15-16: God told Ananias that he would show Paul what he would suffer for God’s sake.
   James 1:2: James tells his readers to rejoice in trials.
3. 3:5 Who is the tempter? How would he cause Paul’s labor to be in vain?
   Class Answers: Satan. (See also 1 Thessalonians 2:18.) If they succumbed to temptation, they would be right back where they started. He would undo all the apostles’ teaching. See 2 Peter 2:20-22: like a dog eating its own vomit.
4. 3:6 What was the good news that Timothy brought back to Paul?
   Class Answers: Of their faith and love. That they always remembered Paul and Silas kindly and they longed to see them. That the Thessalonians wanted to see and be with Paul as much as he wanted to connect with them, that they were continuing in the faith and love that he’d shared with them.
   Note: The Greek word for “good news”  here is Euaggelizo, usually translated “gospel.”  Also note the change of Paul’s tone: From concern to joy at Timothy’s good news.
   From Morris: “The combination of faith and love is no mean summary of the whole duty of Christians.” See also Galatians 5:6.
5. 3:7-10 What responses did Paul and Silas have to this news?
   Class Answers:
   v. 7 – Comfort. Even in the apostles’ own distress and persecution, they were encouraged about them through the Thessalonians’ faith. (This is the fourth time the word faith is used in this chapter.)
   v. 8 – Life. They now “live,” if the Thessalonians stand firm. Philippians 1:21 – For Paul, to live was Christ. Their faithfulness gave him new life, new energy.
   v. 9 – Joy. They couldn’t thank God enough for the joy they felt. Note the object of their gratitude – not the Thessalonians, but God. This was God’s work.
   v. 10 – Prayer. They prayed even more intensely that they could see them in person and strengthen whatever still might be lacking (to complete them).
6. 3:11-13 What are Paul’s three prayers?
   v. 11 – That God and Jesus would direct their way to the Thessalonians, clear the pathway to them.
   v. 12 – That the Thessalonians would increase and abound in love for one another and for all.
   v. 13 – That God would strengthen their hearts in holiness, so that they would be blameless. (NIV – blameless and holy)
7. 3:13 What does Paul write about the coming of Jesus?
   Class Answers: That he will come with all his saints (NRV), or “holy ones” (NIV). Commentators disagree on whether this refers to Christians who have died or angels. Morris contends that it is both. Hendricksen (page 93) ties it to 4:14:

Not a single one of [those who have fallen asleep in Jesus] will be left behind in heaven: all those who at death went to heaven – and therefore are now with him in heaven – will leave their celestial abodes at the very moment when the Lord begins his descent. Very quickly they will reunite with their bodies, which now become gloriously resurrected bodies, and will then immediately (together with those children of God who still survive on earth, and who will be changed “in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye”) ascend in order to meet the Lord.
This interpretation brings 3:13 into complete harmony with 4:13-18…. The coming is one; but it is a coming both with and for his saints.