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Nazarene Commentary 2000©

21^st Century Paraphrase of the Hebrew Scriptures© –
21^st Century Version of the Christian Scriptures© [NCMM]

THE FIRST LETTER TO THE THESSALONIANS

CHAPTER THREE:
“COMFORTING FAITHFULNESS”

[“Firm Hearts”]
Key word: Faithfulness
Theme Verse: 7

1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 – Warned of Oppression

1TH3:1 And so, when we could not take it anymore, we asked to remain behind alone in Athens. 1TH3:2 We sent Timothy ahead of us, 44 our brother and God’s servant in the Good News of Christ. This was in order to strengthen you in your own convictions 45 and to encourage you

44	We sent Timothy ahead of us: We may assume it was Paul and Silas who sent Timothy to reach the Thessalonians quickly. (Acts 16:1)

45	Strengthen you in your convictions: That is, “to build up your faith.” Timothy’s assignment was to build up and stabilize their faith and also exhort or encourage them to continued endurance against opposition.

1TH3:3 and never to allow anyone to sway you by these persecutions. You are fully aware that this is our assignment. 46

46	Our assignment: Or, lot, appointment. That is a life of suffering and persecution as Christians. (Acts 9:16; 14:22; 20:23)

1TH3:4 For when we were finally among you, we said in advance that we were going to be persecuted – just as it actually has occurred – as you know. 1TH3:5 So for this reason, when I could no longer bear it, I sent to find out about your faith, fearing that somehow the one tempting you might have actually tempted you, 47 and so our labor might become worthless.

47	Tempted you: Likely a reference to Satan as the term is used elsewhere. (Matthew 4:11; 2 Corinthians 11:3)

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 – We Live if You Stand Firm

1TH3:6 However, now that Timothy has return to us from you 48 – and has brought us such good news about your deep conviction and compassionate affection 49 – and told us that you always remember us with kindness and look forward to seeing us – just as we look forward to seeing you –

48	Timothy has returned to us from you: Timothy has returned with a good and encouraging report about the Thessalonians. (Acts 18:5)

49	Conviction and compassionate affection: Or, faith and love; belief and benevolent empathy. The premier combination of Christian attributes. (1 Timothy 1:14; 2:15; 2 Timothy 1:13; 1 John 3:23)

1TH3:7 for this reason, brothers, despite all our personal distress and persecution, 50 we have been greatly encouraged by your own faith.

50	Our personal distress and persecution: Just as the Thessalonians are oppressed under persecution, so also are Paul and his companions.

1TH3:8 For now we can continue to live knowing you are steadfast in the Master. 1TH3:9 How can we thank The God in your behalf for all the joy we feel 51 for your sake before our God –

51	All the joy we feel: Paul’s warm encouragement shines through his pen as he has been genuinely encouraged by their steadfastness.

1TH3:10 in abundant supplications night and day that we may see your faces and make up for what is lacking in your faith? 52

52

What is lacking in your faith: Or, conviction, belief. Faith comes in sizes (little, great) and strengths (weak, strong). Faith is even described as a gift of the spirit. One person called out to the Nazarene, “I have faith. Help me where I need faith.” Faith needs to be perfected as this phrase here shows. Faith can also grow. (2 Thessalonians 1:3) Paul uses “faith” 14 times in his two letters to the Thessalonians.

1 Thessalonians 3:11-13 – Firm Hearts

1TH3:11 Now may The God our Father Himself, and our Master Jesus, direct our path to you. 1TH3:12 May our Master cause you to increase and abound in compassionate affection for one another 53 – and everyone else! 54 – just as we do to you.

53	Increase and abound in compassionate affection for one another: Or, love; benevolent empathy. The Christian “commandment.” (1 John 3:23) Compare 1 Thessalonians 4:9.

54	Everyone else: As the Master taught. (Luke 6:31-36; Galatians 6:10) Loving concern followed by positive action seeking the highest good of others cannot be limited to the Christian community. Love must be shown to “enemies.” Compare 2 Thessalonians 3:15.

1TH3:13 Thus he may firmly establish your hearts without any blame in holiness in the presence of our God and Father [and] in the presence of our Master Jesus with all his Saints. 55 [Zechariah 14:5 LXX]

55

In the presence of our Master Jesus with all his Saints: This may be something of a paraphrase of Zechariah 14:5 and Matthew 24:42. The Greek phrase here is META PANTON TON HAGION AUTOU and in Zechariah 14:5 (LXX) – PANTES HOI HAGIOI MET AUTOU. It should be noted that Zechariah chapter 14 is often alluded to in the Book of Revelation. See Nazarene Apocalypse in Nazarene Commentary. Again the Greek PAROUSIA is used. See notes on 1 Thessalonians 2:19. Judging from Matthew, Mark, and Luke synonyms for “presence” include “coming” and “arrival.”

Summary Questions Chapter Three