I recently did a study of the passage in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 to see how Paul operated in the early church. I saw what was important to him and how his behavior impacted those around him. Building up others in the faith was a major goal for Paul in this passage, and I think it was a major goal for his entire ministry. Below, I share some of the insights I learned.
1 Thessalonians 3:1-10
1 “Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone; 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3 so that no man may be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor should be in vain. 6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?”1
First, I have some general observations about the passage. Next, I will go into more detail at the verse by verse level.
General observations
Faith is a big issue (see emboldened phrases above), and is mentioned in verses 2, 5, 6, 7, & 10. Faith is implied in verse 8, which mentions the Thessalonians ‘standing firm in the Lord’, which is by faith. The obvious focus here is to build them up in the faith.
Building up one another’s faith is a continuous process. It is good and necessary whether one is a new believer or a seasoned saint. We all need our faith built up and to be encouraged to keep believing and trusting God.
The last general observation I will make, is that Paul focused on other people. He ministered to them, working to build them up to maturity in Christ.2 The heading that I put at the top of the list in this next section then is, ‘For Others…’
Verse by verse
For each verse, there is a main summary point that I saw, listed below with the verse number from the Thessalonians passage. I also made comments explaining the summary and included some statements by Bible commentators.
For Others…
v1 -self sacrifice
Paul had several men with him in ministry, but sent them away to minister, and he ended up alone. It was an act of self sacrifice.
v2 -strengthen and encourage them in the faith
The goal was to build their faith. They faced pressure which threatened their resolve to trust God.
v3 -not disturbed by afflictions/-afflictions are normal3
The word for afflictions here is the word for pressure.4
“The symbol of Christianity is the cross, not a feather bed.” [David Guzik]
v4 -warned and reminded them about affliction
They were told afflictions would come so they would not be surprised. This helps us have confidence in the faith.
5 -faith battle over temptation to quit because of persecution
“And the apostles, far from flattering people with the expectation of worldly prosperity in religion, told them plainly they must count upon trouble in the flesh.” [Matthew Henry]
6 -encouraged by their faith and love/-developed affection
They developed a relationship in the faith and longed to see each other.
“In these two words [faith and love], he states concisely the sum total of godliness. All who aim at this double mark are beyond the danger of error for the whole of their life.” [Calvin]
7 -comforted by their faith
Things were not easy, but there is comfort in the faith.
8 -energized (in the sense of living and thriving5) by others standing firm
The phrase ‘we really live’ shows that Paul is energized by seeing others stand firm in the faith.
9 -thanksgiving and joy because of them
Being thankful for others brings us joy in the Lord.
10 -praying in order to build up their faith
Paul did not cease to pray for them, so that their faith would continue and increase.
“In general, faith at first is weak and defective; it is only developed by degrees. Especially is it increased by every increase of spiritual knowledge.” “Add to your faith knowledge.” (2 Peter 1:5, 6) [Pulpit Commentary]
Sacrifice and Service
Paul’s efforts to build up the faith of Christians is evident throughout his ministry. (Acts 14:21-2; Romans 1:12; 1 Corinthians 2:5, 16:13; 2 Corinthians 1:24; Galatians 3; Ephesians 1:15-17; Philippians 1:27; Colossians 1:4; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 1 Timothy 1:5; 2 Timothy 1:5; Titus 1:1; Philemon 1:5-6)
There is one passage however, that explains what is going on in the life of Paul. In Philippians 2:17 Paul says,
“But even if I am being poured out as a drink offering upon the sacrifice and service of your faith, I rejoice and share my joy with you all.”
The word for service, is the Greek word, leitourgía, (li-toorg-ee’-ah), and means, “the service or ministry of the priests relative to the prayers and sacrifices offered to God.”6 The second Greek word Paul uses is for sacrifice, thysía, (thoo-see’-ah), meaning “sacrifice”. However, the phrase ‘sacrifice and service’ take on new meaning when used together. These two words are tied together, so the phrase is used in this way:
“in the work of exciting, nourishing, increasing, your faith, as if in providing a sacrifice to be offered to God.”7
Paul is sacrificially pouring out his life in order to excite, nourish, and increase their faith in the living God. This is the life and ministry of Paul. I speak more about Paul being poured out as a drink offering in an article titled: Drink Offering.
Conclusion
Building up others in the faith was extremely important to Paul. He structured his life and his behavior in such a way, so that he could impact those around him for Christ. In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10, we saw a demonstration of that focus.
Then, we saw that Paul’s sacrifice and service was all about the work of exciting, nourishing, and increasing the faith of those around him. Paul was providing a sacrifice of himself, offered to God, for the benefit of the faith of others.
1 Emphasis added.
2 Colossians 1:28 We proclaim Him, admonishing every man and teaching every man with all wisdom, so that we may present every man complete in Christ.
3 See Acts 17:1-9 for the beginning of the church in Thessalonica where they immediately experienced persecution.
4 Thayer’s Greek Lexicon -The word ‘afflictions’ could be translated ‘tribulation, affliction, trouble, persecution’
5 Thayer’s Greek Lexicon -Explaining the phrase ‘we really live’.
6 Thayer’s Greek Lexicon -I give the biblical usage. Common Greek usage is “a public office which a citizen undertakes to administer at his own expense”
7 Thayer’s Greek Lexicon