The Heart Of Paul’s Theology: Paul And The ThessaloniansSample

Paul’s Absence: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

In 2:17-3:5, Paul assured the Thessalonians of his continued heartfelt concern for them. And he demonstrated this concern by sending Timothy to visit them. Consider Paul’s words in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2:

When we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left by ourselves in Athens, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to encourage you in your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

In addition to heartfelt pastoral concern, in 3:6-10, Paul expressed his grateful joy at the news that Timothy brought from Thessalonica. The believers were standing firm in their faith, and they missed Paul as much as the apostle missed them. This news thrilled Paul so much that in 1 Thessalonians 3:8-9 he wrote:

For now we live, since you are standing firm in the Lord. How can we thank God for you enough to repay him for all the joy we have … because of you? (1 Thessalonians 3:8-9).

Hearing the good things Timothy reported turned Paul’s worry into joy and confidence.

In the third place, in 3:11-13, Paul prayed for the Thessalonians, asking the Father to “direct the way” for him to visit them again.