Journey Through The Bible
  Old Testament Reading: Hosea 12-14
  New Testament Reading: 1 Thessalonians 3

Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith (1 Thessalonians 3:1-2).

In chapter three, we continue to hear the heartbeat of Paul as he expresses his undying interest in the saints at Thessalonica. Paul went first to Athens alone, then sent to Berea for Silas and Timothy to join him. While they were in Athens, the agony of separation became intolerable and they had to know how the Believers in Thessalonica were getting along. Finally, they could not stand it any longer and needed to take action.

It is interesting to note the “we” sections defining the leadership style of Paul. As an Apostle, he could have been dictatorial and decided himself telling his co-workers what to do. Instead, Paul writes, we thought (v1) and, we sent (v2). Paul, Silas, and Timothy decided together. Throughout the New Testament, we see church leadership as a plurality of leaders. There is never just a single leader making decisions for the church.

They decided Timothy would return to the Thessalonians, while Silas, we learn later, went to other churches through Macedonia. Paul remained in Athens alone.

What a privilege it was for Timothy to serve his apprenticeship under the beloved brother Paul! Now that he has proved himself, he is sent on a mission to Thessalonica by himself. The purpose of the trip was to strengthen the saints and encourage them concerning their faith. This was a common ministry concern and practice of Paul. Paul’s concern did not focus on health, wealth, self-esteem, or ease of life, but rather on the spiritual quality of life. Their faith was of supreme importance in Paul’s mind.

The Thessalonians had been persecuted because of their confession of Christ. It would be interesting to hear Timothy as he taught them to expect opposition, to bear it bravely, and to rejoice in it. They needed encouragement not to buckle under the pressure of opposition.

Timothy returned from the Thessalonians and met up with Paul in Corinth with good news. He reassured Paul concerning their faith and love. They were not only standing true to the teachings of the Christian faith, but they were also manifesting the distinctive virtue of love. This news was like cold water to Paul’s thirsty soul. In all his distress and affliction, he was greatly encouraged by their faith.

Paul was not concerned with attendance numbers or the finances of the church. His concerns were that they continued to walk and grow in the faith and exercise love for one another. How differently we measure the success and maturity of churches today!