The Need for "Follow-Up" Work: 1 Thessalonians 3

From: The First Epistle of Paul to the Thessalonians

Narrator: Chris Genthree

1 Thessalonians 3 • 14 min. read • grade level: 10

(Chapter 3)

In this chapter, Paul touches on another thing that is important in working with new converts—the need to follow up with them with teaching and exhortation concerning the Christian revelation of truth and Christian practice (walk). This shows that new believers need “hands on” attention after they get saved. With this in mind, it was the habit of Paul and his co-workers to either have a couple of the workers remain behind with the new believers, or to return to them later to help them in this way. Some examples from the book of the Acts are:

• ANTIOCH (in Pisidia), ICONIUM, & LYSTRA—Paul and Barnabas returned to establish the new believers in the faith (Acts 14:21-23²¹And when they had preached the gospel to that city, and had taught many, they returned again to Lystra, and to Iconium, and Antioch, ²²Confirming the souls of the disciples, and exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God. ²³And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed. (Acts 14:21‑23)).

• SYRIA & CILICIA—Paul and Silas returned to strengthen the new converts in those areas (Acts 15:40-41⁴⁰And Paul chose Silas, and departed, being recommended by the brethren unto the grace of God. ⁴¹And he went through Syria and Cilicia, confirming the churches. (Acts 15:40‑41)).

PHILIPPI—Luke was left behind to strengthen and encourage the new converts. This is indicated by his use of the word, "they" rather than, "we" (Acts 17:1¹Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews: (Acts 17:1)). Luke wrote the book of the Acts; when he accompanied Paul, he said, "we," and when he didn't, he would say "they." (Luke joined the missionary band in Troas and went with them to Macedonia and the city of Philippi – Acts 16:10¹⁰And after he had seen the vision, immediately we endeavored to go into Macedonia, assuredly gathering that the Lord had called us for to preach the gospel unto them. (Acts 16:10)).

THESSALONICA—No one stayed behind at first because the persecution was so intense (Acts 17:10¹⁰And the brethren immediately sent away Paul and Silas by night unto Berea: who coming thither went into the synagogue of the Jews. (Acts 17:10)), but later, Timothy was sent back there from Athens to establish and encourage them (1 Thess. 3:1-2¹Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; ²And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlaborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (1 Thessalonians 3:1‑2)).

BEREA—Silas and Timothy remained there to help them on in the faith (Acts 17:14¹⁴And then immediately the brethren sent away Paul to go as it were to the sea: but Silas and Timotheus abode there still. (Acts 17:14)) and then moved on to Athens at the call of Paul (Acts 17:15¹⁵And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed. (Acts 17:15)). (We know they reached Athens because Timothy was sent from Athens back to Thessalonica by Paul and Silas – 1 Thess. 3:2²And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlaborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith: (1 Thessalonians 3:2).)

ATHENS—Since Silas is not mentioned as accompanying Paul from Athens to Corinth (Acts 18:1¹After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; (Acts 18:1)), we thereby understand that he remained at Athens and shepherded the few who had believed in that city (Acts 17:34³⁴Howbeit certain men clave unto him, and believed: among the which was Dionysius the Areopagite, and a woman named Damaris, and others with them. (Acts 17:34)), and afterwards he went into Macedonia. (Silas and Timothy then went together to Corinth to link up with Paul – Acts 18:5⁵And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:5); 2 Cor. 11:9⁹And when I was present with you, and wanted, I was chargeable to no man: for that which was lacking to me the brethren which came from Macedonia supplied: and in all things I have kept myself from being burdensome unto you, and so will I keep myself. (2 Corinthians 11:9)).

CORINTH—Silas and Timothy remained behind at Corinth when Paul left with Aquila and Priscilla (Acts 18:18¹⁸And Paul after this tarried there yet a good while, and then took his leave of the brethren, and sailed thence into Syria, and with him Priscilla and Aquila; having shorn his head in Cenchrea: for he had a vow. (Acts 18:18)). Apollos also went there later (chap. 18:27-28).

EPHESUS—Aquila and Priscilla were left in Ephesus when Paul went on to Jerusalem (Acts 18:19-28¹⁹And he came to Ephesus, and left them there: but he himself entered into the synagogue, and reasoned with the Jews. ²⁰When they desired him to tarry longer time with them, he consented not; ²¹But bade them farewell, saying, I must by all means keep this feast that cometh in Jerusalem: but I will return again unto you, if God will. And he sailed from Ephesus. ²²And when he had landed at Caesarea, and gone up, and saluted the church, he went down to Antioch. ²³And after he had spent some time there, he departed, and went over all the country of Galatia and Phrygia in order, strengthening all the disciples. ²⁴And a certain Jew named Apollos, born at Alexandria, an eloquent man, and mighty in the scriptures, came to Ephesus. ²⁵This man was instructed in the way of the Lord; and being fervent in the spirit, he spake and taught diligently the things of the Lord, knowing only the baptism of John. ²⁶And he began to speak boldly in the synagogue: whom when Aquila and Priscilla had heard, they took him unto them, and expounded unto him the way of God more perfectly. ²⁷And when he was disposed to pass into Achaia, the brethren wrote, exhorting the disciples to receive him: who, when he was come, helped them much which had believed through grace: ²⁸For he mightily convinced the Jews, and that publickly, showing by the scriptures that Jesus was Christ. (Acts 18:19‑28)). Later, Paul besought Timothy to remain there when he pressed on to Macedonia (1 Tim. 1:3³As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3)).

The Purpose of “Follow-up” Work

Vss. 1-5—Having this concern for their converts in Thessalonica, Paul and Silas (“we”) thought it good to send Timothy back to Thessalonica from Athens to “establish” them and to “encourage” them.

• To “establish” the saints (vs. 2a) is to ground them in the doctrine of Paul’s “gospel” and “the revelation of the Mystery” (Rom. 16:25²⁵Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, (Romans 16:25)).

• To “encourage” the saints (vs. 2b) is to warm their hearts and to encourage them in practical matters of Christian living.

The first aspect is doctrinal and the second is practical. These things always go together in Scripture. In fact, every doctrine in New Testament Scripture ought to have a practical ramification in the Christian’s life. They may be taken up separately for the sake of learning them, but ultimately, they cannot be divorced from one another; otherwise, the believer will become imbalanced.

A letter, such as this very epistle, would be a great help to the Thessalonians, but they really needed someone to be with them face to face to minister to them. The sending of Timothy to the Thessalonians, in fact, shows that there is nothing that can replace personal visits among the saints. To send along a letter, make a phone call, give a book of ministry or an audio recording, are all good and helpful, but new converts need personal, "hands on" type of contact. Thus, there are some things that really can only be met with by personal visitation (1 Cor. 11:3³But I would have you know, that the head of every man is Christ; and the head of the woman is the man; and the head of Christ is God. (1 Corinthians 11:3)4b).

We may be asked, “What exactly are the tenets of Paul’s gospel and the Mystery that Timothy would have taught the Thessalonians in view of establishing them?” The following is a list of some of these things which he might have brought before them to this end:

Truth Concerning the Persons of the Godhead (Theology)

• The Trinity—the divinity of the Persons in the Godhead—the Father, the Son, and Holy Spirit (Matt. 3:16-17¹⁶And Jesus, when he was baptized, went up straightway out of the water: and, lo, the heavens were opened unto him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and lighting upon him: ¹⁷And lo a voice from heaven, saying, This is my beloved Son, in whom I am well pleased. (Matthew 3:16‑17)).

• The Person of Christ—His deity, His eternal Sonship, His incarnation, and sinless humanity (2 John 9⁹Whosoever transgresseth, and abideth not in the doctrine of Christ, hath not God. He that abideth in the doctrine of Christ, he hath both the Father and the Son. (2 John 9)).

Christ the Firstborn (Rom. 8:29²⁹For whom he did foreknow, he also did predestinate to be conformed to the image of his Son, that he might be the firstborn among many brethren. (Romans 8:29)) and Only-begotten (John 3:16¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)).

The propitiatory and substitutionary aspects of Christ’s work in atonement (Rom. 3:25; 4:25²⁵Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25)
²⁵Who was delivered for our offences, and was raised again for our justification. (Romans 4:25)).

Christ’s resurrection and ascension in glory (1 Cor. 15:12-20¹²Now if Christ be preached that he rose from the dead, how say some among you that there is no resurrection of the dead? ¹³But if there be no resurrection of the dead, then is Christ not risen: ¹⁴And if Christ be not risen, then is our preaching vain, and your faith is also vain. ¹⁵Yea, and we are found false witnesses of God; because we have testified of God that he raised up Christ: whom he raised not up, if so be that the dead rise not. ¹⁶For if the dead rise not, then is not Christ raised: ¹⁷And if Christ be not raised, your faith is vain; ye are yet in your sins. ¹⁸Then they also which are fallen asleep in Christ are perished. ¹⁹If in this life only we have hope in Christ, we are of all men most miserable. ²⁰But now is Christ risen from the dead, and become the firstfruits of them that slept. (1 Corinthians 15:12‑20); Acts 1:9-11⁹And when he had spoken these things, while they beheld, he was taken up; and a cloud received him out of their sight. ¹⁰And while they looked stedfastly toward heaven as he went up, behold, two men stood by them in white apparel; ¹¹Which also said, Ye men of Galilee, why stand ye gazing up into heaven? this same Jesus, which is taken up from you into heaven, shall so come in like manner as ye have seen him go into heaven. (Acts 1:9‑11)).

Christ our High Priest and Advocate (Heb. 2:17¹⁷Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. (Hebrews 2:17); 1 John 2:1¹My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: (1 John 2:1)).

Truth Concerning Salvation & Its Related Blessings (Soteriology)

The righteousness of God (Rom. 3:21-26²¹But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets; ²²Even the righteousness of God which is by faith of Jesus Christ unto all and upon all them that believe: for there is no difference: ²³For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God; ²⁴Being justified freely by his grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus: ²⁵Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; ²⁶To declare, I say, at this time his righteousness: that he might be just, and the justifier of him which believeth in Jesus. (Romans 3:21‑26)).

The quickening and sealing of the Spirit (Eph. 1:13; 2:1¹³In whom ye also trusted, after that ye heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation: in whom also after that ye believed, ye were sealed with that holy Spirit of promise, (Ephesians 1:13)
¹And you hath he quickened, who were dead in trespasses and sins; (Ephesians 2:1)).

The difference between new birth and salvation (John 3:3-8, 14-17³Jesus answered and said unto him, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God. ⁴Nicodemus saith unto him, How can a man be born when he is old? can he enter the second time into his mother's womb, and be born? ⁵Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. ⁶That which is born of the flesh is flesh; and that which is born of the Spirit is spirit. ⁷Marvel not that I said unto thee, Ye must be born again. ⁸The wind bloweth where it listeth, and thou hearest the sound thereof, but canst not tell whence it cometh, and whither it goeth: so is every one that is born of the Spirit. (John 3:3‑8)
¹⁴And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: ¹⁵That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life. ¹⁶For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ¹⁷For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved. (John 3:14‑17)).

The difference between bought and redeemed (1 Cor. 6:19; 1¹⁹What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? (1 Corinthians 6:19)
¹⁹For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. (1 Corinthians 1:19) Peter 1:18-19).

The various aspects of forgiveness—eternal (Eph. 1:7⁷In whom we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, according to the riches of his grace; (Ephesians 1:7)), governmental (Matt. 18:26-35²⁶The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ²⁷Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. ²⁸But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. ²⁹And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. ³⁰And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. ³¹So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. ³²Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: ³³Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? ³⁴And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. ³⁵So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses. (Matthew 18:26‑35)), restorative (1 John 1:9⁹If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9)), administrative (2 Cor. 2:10¹⁰To whom ye forgive any thing, I forgive also: for if I forgave any thing, to whom I forgave it, for your sakes forgave I it in the person of Christ; (2 Corinthians 2:10)), and brotherly forgiveness (Eph. 4:32³²And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you. (Ephesians 4:32)).

Justification by faith, and justification of life (Rom. 5:1, 18¹Therefore being justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ: (Romans 5:1)
¹⁸Therefore as by the offence of one judgment came upon all men to condemnation; even so by the righteousness of one the free gift came upon all men unto justification of life. (Romans 5:18)).

Reconciliation—of persons and things (Col. 1:20-21²⁰And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. ²¹And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled (Colossians 1:20‑21)).

• Regeneration (Titus 3:5⁵Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost; (Titus 3:5)).

• The sonship of believers (Gal. 4:1-7¹Now I say, That the heir, as long as he is a child, differeth nothing from a servant, though he be lord of all; ²But is under tutors and governors until the time appointed of the father. ³Even so we, when we were children, were in bondage under the elements of the world: ⁴But when the fulness of the time was come, God sent forth his Son, made of a woman, made under the law, ⁵To redeem them that were under the law, that we might receive the adoption of sons. ⁶And because ye are sons, God hath sent forth the Spirit of his Son into your hearts, crying, Abba, Father. ⁷Wherefore thou art no more a servant, but a son; and if a son, then an heir of God through Christ. (Galatians 4:1‑7)).

The true character of life eternal (John 17:3³And this is life eternal, that they might know thee the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom thou hast sent. (John 17:3)).

The acceptance of the believer “in Christ” (Rom. 8:1¹There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit. (Romans 8:1)) and the formation of Christ in the saints—“Christ in you” (Rom. 8:10¹⁰And if Christ be in you, the body is dead because of sin; but the Spirit is life because of righteousness. (Romans 8:10); Col. 1:27²⁷To whom God would make known what is the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles; which is Christ in you, the hope of glory: (Colossians 1:27)).

The eternal security of the believer (John 10:27-28²⁷My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me: ²⁸And I give unto them eternal life; and they shall never perish, neither shall any man pluck them out of my hand. (John 10:27‑28); Rom. 8:31-39³¹What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? ³²He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things? ³³Who shall lay any thing to the charge of God's elect? It is God that justifieth. ³⁴Who is he that condemneth? It is Christ that died, yea rather, that is risen again, who is even at the right hand of God, who also maketh intercession for us. ³⁵Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? ³⁶As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter. ³⁷Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us. ³⁸For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, ³⁹Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 8:31‑39)).

The various aspects of sanctification (1 Cor. 6:11; 1¹¹And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified, but ye are justified in the name of the Lord Jesus, and by the Spirit of our God. (1 Corinthians 6:11)
¹¹For it hath been declared unto me of you, my brethren, by them which are of the house of Chloe, that there are contentions among you. (1 Corinthians 1:11) Thess. 4:4-7; 1 Cor. 7:14¹⁴For the unbelieving husband is sanctified by the wife, and the unbelieving wife is sanctified by the husband: else were your children unclean; but now are they holy. (1 Corinthians 7:14)).

The standing and state of believers (Rom. 5:2²By whom also we have access by faith into this grace wherein we stand, and rejoice in hope of the glory of God. (Romans 5:2); Phil. 2:20²⁰For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. (Philippians 2:20)).

The two natures in the believer (Rom. 7:14-24¹⁴For we know that the law is spiritual: but I am carnal, sold under sin. ¹⁵For that which I do I allow not: for what I would, that do I not; but what I hate, that do I. ¹⁶If then I do that which I would not, I consent unto the law that it is good. ¹⁷Now then it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. ¹⁸For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh,) dwelleth no good thing: for to will is present with me; but how to perform that which is good I find not. ¹⁹For the good that I would I do not: but the evil which I would not, that I do. ²⁰Now if I do that I would not, it is no more I that do it, but sin that dwelleth in me. ²¹I find then a law, that, when I would do good, evil is present with me. ²²For I delight in the law of God after the inward man: ²³But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind, and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members. ²⁴O wretched man that I am! who shall deliver me from the body of this death? (Romans 7:14‑24)).

The difference between sins and sin (Rom. 3:25; 6:2²⁵Whom God hath set forth to be a propitiation through faith in his blood, to declare his righteousness for the remission of sins that are past, through the forbearance of God; (Romans 3:25)
²God forbid. How shall we, that are dead to sin, live any longer therein? (Romans 6:2)).

The "old man" and the "new man" (Eph. 4:22-24²²That ye put off concerning the former conversation the old man, which is corrupt according to the deceitful lusts; ²³And be renewed in the spirit of your mind; ²⁴And that ye put on the new man, which after God is created in righteousness and true holiness. (Ephesians 4:22‑24)).

The two states: “in the flesh” and “in the Spirit” (Rom. 8:9⁹But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his. (Romans 8:9)).

The indwelling of the Spirit (sealing, earnest, and anointing) and the filling of the Spirit (1 Thess. 4:8⁸He therefore that despiseth, despiseth not man, but God, who hath also given unto us his holy Spirit. (1 Thessalonians 4:8); Eph. 5:18¹⁸And be not drunk with wine, wherein is excess; but be filled with the Spirit; (Ephesians 5:18); 2 Cor. 1:21-22²¹Now he which stablisheth us with you in Christ, and hath anointed us, is God; ²²Who hath also sealed us, and given the earnest of the Spirit in our hearts. (2 Corinthians 1:21‑22)).

Deliverance (Rom. 8:2²For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2)).

Christian perfection (Heb. 10:14¹⁴For by one offering he hath perfected for ever them that are sanctified. (Hebrews 10:14); Col. 1:28²⁸Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28); Heb. 11:40⁴⁰God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect. (Hebrews 11:40)).

The new creation race wherein “likeness” and “image” are restored (James 3:9⁹Therewith bless we God, even the Father; and therewith curse we men, which are made after the similitude of God. (James 3:9); Col. 3:10¹⁰And have put on the new man, which is renewed in knowledge after the image of him that created him: (Colossians 3:10)).

Glorification—involving immortality and incorruptibility (1 Cor. 15:51-57⁵¹Behold, I show you a mystery; We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, ⁵²In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed. ⁵³For this corruptible must put on incorruption, and this mortal must put on immortality. ⁵⁴So when this corruptible shall have put on incorruption, and this mortal shall have put on immortality, then shall be brought to pass the saying that is written, Death is swallowed up in victory. ⁵⁵O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? ⁵⁶The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin is the law. ⁵⁷But thanks be to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. (1 Corinthians 15:51‑57)).

Baptism (Rom. 6:3-4³Know ye not, that so many of us as were baptized into Jesus Christ were baptized into his death? ⁴Therefore we are buried with him by baptism into death: that like as Christ was raised up from the dead by the glory of the Father, even so we also should walk in newness of life. (Romans 6:3‑4); Gal. 3:27²⁷For as many of you as have been baptized into Christ have put on Christ. (Galatians 3:27)).

The mysteries of the kingdom of the heavens (Matt. 13-25).

• Eternal judgment—the suffering of the lost in Hades and in Hell (Matt. 11:23; 10:28²³And thou, Capernaum, which art exalted unto heaven, shalt be brought down to hell: for if the mighty works, which have been done in thee, had been done in Sodom, it would have remained until this day. (Matthew 11:23)
²⁸And fear not them which kill the body, but are not able to kill the soul: but rather fear him which is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. (Matthew 10:28)).

Truth Concerning Church Doctrine & Practise (Ecclesiology)

The formation of the Church as the body and the bride of Christ through the baptism of the Holy Spirit (1 Cor. 12:12-13¹²For as the body is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body: so also is Christ. ¹³For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:12‑13); Rev. 21:9⁹And there came unto me one of the seven angels which had the seven vials full of the seven last plagues, and talked with me, saying, Come hither, I will show thee the bride, the Lamb's wife. (Revelation 21:9)).

The heavenly calling, character, and destiny of the Church (Acts 10:11-16¹¹And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: ¹²Wherein were all manner of fourfooted beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. ¹³And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. ¹⁴But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. ¹⁵And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. ¹⁶This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. (Acts 10:11‑16)).

The true ground on which Christians are gathered, giving practical expression to the truth of the one body (Matt. 18:20²⁰For where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them. (Matthew 18:20); Eph. 4:4⁴There is one body, and one Spirit, even as ye are called in one hope of your calling; (Ephesians 4:4)).

The truth of the original simplicity of the Lord’s Supper at the Lord’s Table (1 Cor. 10:16-17; 11:20-26¹⁶The cup of blessing which we bless, is it not the communion of the blood of Christ? The bread which we break, is it not the communion of the body of Christ? ¹⁷For we being many are one bread, and one body: for we are all partakers of that one bread. (1 Corinthians 10:16‑17)
²⁰When ye come together therefore into one place, this is not to eat the Lord's supper. ²¹For in eating every one taketh before other his own supper: and one is hungry, and another is drunken. ²²What? have ye not houses to eat and to drink in? or despise ye the church of God, and shame them that have not? What shall I say to you? shall I praise you in this? I praise you not. ²³For I have received of the Lord that which also I delivered unto you, That the Lord Jesus the same night in which he was betrayed took bread: ²⁴And when he had given thanks, he brake it, and said, Take, eat: this is my body, which is broken for you: this do in remembrance of me. ²⁵After the same manner also he took the cup, when he had supped, saying, This cup is the new testament in my blood: this do ye, as oft as ye drink it, in remembrance of me. ²⁶For as often as ye eat this bread, and drink this cup, ye do show the Lord's death till he come. (1 Corinthians 11:20‑26)).

The unity of the Spirit (Eph. 4:3³Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. (Ephesians 4:3)).

The freedom of the Spirit's leading in prayer, praise, and ministry when saints are gathered together in assembly (1 Cor. 12:1-11¹Now concerning spiritual gifts, brethren, I would not have you ignorant. ²Ye know that ye were Gentiles, carried away unto these dumb idols, even as ye were led. ³Wherefore I give you to understand, that no man speaking by the Spirit of God calleth Jesus accursed: and that no man can say that Jesus is the Lord, but by the Holy Ghost. ⁴Now there are diversities of gifts, but the same Spirit. ⁵And there are differences of administrations, but the same Lord. ⁶And there are diversities of operations, but it is the same God which worketh all in all. ⁷But the manifestation of the Spirit is given to every man to profit withal. ⁸For to one is given by the Spirit the word of wisdom; to another the word of knowledge by the same Spirit; ⁹To another faith by the same Spirit; to another the gifts of healing by the same Spirit; ¹⁰To another the working of miracles; to another prophecy; to another discerning of spirits; to another divers kinds of tongues; to another the interpretation of tongues: ¹¹But all these worketh that one and the selfsame Spirit, dividing to every man severally as he will. (1 Corinthians 12:1‑11)).

The priesthood of all believers (1 Peter 2:5⁵Ye also, as lively stones, are built up a spiritual house, an holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices, acceptable to God by Jesus Christ. (1 Peter 2:5)).

The distinction between gift and office in the Church (Eph. 4:11¹¹And he gave some, apostles; and some, prophets; and some, evangelists; and some, pastors and teachers; (Ephesians 4:11); 1 Tim. 3:1-14¹This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) ⁶Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. ⁸Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; ⁹Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. ¹²Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: (1 Timothy 3:1‑14)).

• The two aspects of the house of God (1 Tim. 3:15; 2¹⁵But if I tarry long, that thou mayest know how thou oughtest to behave thyself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth. (1 Timothy 3:15)
¹⁵Notwithstanding she shall be saved in childbearing, if they continue in faith and charity and holiness with sobriety. (1 Timothy 2:15) Tim. 2:19-20).

• Administrative offices in the house of God (1 Tim. 3:1-14¹This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. ²A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach; ³Not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous; ⁴One that ruleth well his own house, having his children in subjection with all gravity; ⁵(For if a man know not how to rule his own house, how shall he take care of the church of God?) ⁶Not a novice, lest being lifted up with pride he fall into the condemnation of the devil. ⁷Moreover he must have a good report of them which are without; lest he fall into reproach and the snare of the devil. ⁸Likewise must the deacons be grave, not doubletongued, not given to much wine, not greedy of filthy lucre; ⁹Holding the mystery of the faith in a pure conscience. ¹⁰And let these also first be proved; then let them use the office of a deacon, being found blameless. ¹¹Even so must their wives be grave, not slanderers, sober, faithful in all things. ¹²Let the deacons be the husbands of one wife, ruling their children and their own houses well. ¹³For they that have used the office of a deacon well purchase to themselves a good degree, and great boldness in the faith which is in Christ Jesus. ¹⁴These things write I unto thee, hoping to come unto thee shortly: (1 Timothy 3:1‑14)).

• Assembly judgment and discipline (1 Cor. 5:1-13¹It is reported commonly that there is fornication among you, and such fornication as is not so much as named among the Gentiles, that one should have his father's wife. ²And ye are puffed up, and have not rather mourned, that he that hath done this deed might be taken away from among you. ³For I verily, as absent in body, but present in spirit, have judged already, as though I were present, concerning him that hath so done this deed, ⁴In the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, when ye are gathered together, and my spirit, with the power of our Lord Jesus Christ, ⁵To deliver such an one unto Satan for the destruction of the flesh, that the spirit may be saved in the day of the Lord Jesus. ⁶Your glorying is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? ⁷Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us: ⁸Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth. ⁹I wrote unto you in an epistle not to company with fornicators: ¹⁰Yet not altogether with the fornicators of this world, or with the covetous, or extortioners, or with idolaters; for then must ye needs go out of the world. ¹¹But now I have written unto you not to keep company, if any man that is called a brother be a fornicator, or covetous, or an idolater, or a railer, or a drunkard, or an extortioner; with such an one no not to eat. ¹²For what have I to do to judge them also that are without? do not ye judge them that are within? ¹³But them that are without God judgeth. Therefore put away from among yourselves that wicked person. (1 Corinthians 5:1‑13)).

Truth Concerning Future Events (Eschatology)

The purpose of God to head up all things in Christ, in two spheres (heaven and earth) in a coming day—the Millennium (Eph. 1:10¹⁰That in the dispensation of the fulness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him: (Ephesians 1:10)).

The dispensational ways of God with Israel, the Church, and the millennial kingdom saints (Rom. 9-11).

The Times of the Gentiles (Luke 21:24²⁴And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled. (Luke 21:24)).

The difference between “last days” of the Church and Israel (Heb. 1:2²Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds; (Hebrews 1:2); 2 Tim. 3:1¹This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. (2 Timothy 3:1)).

The difference between the Church and the kingdom (Matt. 16:18-19¹⁸And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. ¹⁹And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. (Matthew 16:18‑19)).

The “gospel of the kingdom” as being distinct from the “gospel of the grace of God” Matt. 4:23²³And Jesus went about all Galilee, teaching in their synagogues, and preaching the gospel of the kingdom, and healing all manner of sickness and all manner of disease among the people. (Matthew 4:23); Acts 20:24²⁴But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God. (Acts 20:24)).

The scope and order of prophetic events in the “Beginning of Sorrows,” the “Great Tribulation,” and the “Indignation” (Matt. 24:8, 21⁸All these are the beginning of sorrows. (Matthew 24:8)
²¹For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be. (Matthew 24:21)).

• The Lord's coming for His saints (the Rapture) before the Tribulation period (1 Thess. 4:15-18¹⁵For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. ¹⁶For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: ¹⁷Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord. ¹⁸Wherefore comfort one another with these words. (1 Thessalonians 4:15‑18)) and then with the saints (the Appearing) at the end of the Great Tribulation (1 Thess. 3:13; 5:1-4¹³To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. (1 Thessalonians 3:13)
¹But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. ²For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. ³For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape. ⁴But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. (1 Thessalonians 5:1‑4)).

• The judgment seat of Christ (2 Cor. 5:10¹⁰For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. (2 Corinthians 5:10)).

The two resurrections (John 5:29²⁹And shall come forth; they that have done good, unto the resurrection of life; and they that have done evil, unto the resurrection of damnation. (John 5:29)).

The inheritance of all things (Eph. 1:11, 18¹¹In whom also we have obtained an inheritance, being predestinated according to the purpose of him who worketh all things after the counsel of his own will: (Ephesians 1:11)
¹⁸The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, (Ephesians 1:18)).

The Millennium (Rev. 20:4⁴And I saw thrones, and they sat upon them, and judgment was given unto them: and I saw the souls of them that were beheaded for the witness of Jesus, and for the word of God, and which had not worshipped the beast, neither his image, neither had received his mark upon their foreheads, or in their hands; and they lived and reigned with Christ a thousand years. (Revelation 20:4)).

The Eternal State (Rev. 21:1-8¹And I saw a new heaven and a new earth: for the first heaven and the first earth were passed away; and there was no more sea. ²And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. ³And I heard a great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, the tabernacle of God is with men, and he will dwell with them, and they shall be his people, and God himself shall be with them, and be their God. ⁴And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away. ⁵And he that sat upon the throne said, Behold, I make all things new. And he said unto me, Write: for these words are true and faithful. ⁶And he said unto me, It is done. I am Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give unto him that is athirst of the fountain of the water of life freely. ⁷He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. ⁸But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burneth with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. (Revelation 21:1‑8)).

• The various aspects of the Kingdom (Matt. 13:11¹¹He answered and said unto them, Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given. (Matthew 13:11)).

The “Day of the Lord” (1 Thess. 5:2²For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. (1 Thessalonians 5:2)), the “Day of Christ” (Phil. 1:6⁶Being confident of this very thing, that he which hath begun a good work in you will perform it until the day of Jesus Christ: (Philippians 1:6)), and the “Day of God” (2 Peter 3:12¹²Looking for and hasting unto the coming of the day of God, wherein the heavens being on fire shall be dissolved, and the elements shall melt with fervent heat? (2 Peter 3:12)).

Practical Truth

Some of the things that Timothy may have touched on in seeking to “encourage” the Thessalonians in their practical walk are:

• What is involved in walking by faith (2 Cor. 5:7⁷(For we walk by faith, not by sight:) (2 Corinthians 5:7)).

• Fellowship (Acts 2:42⁴²And they continued stedfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, and in breaking of bread, and in prayers. (Acts 2:42); 1 Cor. 1:9⁹God is faithful, by whom ye were called unto the fellowship of his Son Jesus Christ our Lord. (1 Corinthians 1:9)).

• Discipleship (Luke 14:25-33²⁵And there went great multitudes with him: and he turned, and said unto them, ²⁶If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple. ²⁷And whosoever doth not bear his cross, and come after me, cannot be my disciple. ²⁸For which of you, intending to build a tower, sitteth not down first, and counteth the cost, whether he have sufficient to finish it? ²⁹Lest haply, after he hath laid the foundation, and is not able to finish it, all that behold it begin to mock him, ³⁰Saying, This man began to build, and was not able to finish. ³¹Or what king, going to make war against another king, sitteth not down first, and consulteth whether he be able with ten thousand to meet him that cometh against him with twenty thousand? ³²Or else, while the other is yet a great way off, he sendeth an ambassage, and desireth conditions of peace. ³³So likewise, whosoever he be of you that forsaketh not all that he hath, he cannot be my disciple. (Luke 14:25‑33); John 8:31³¹Then said Jesus to those Jews which believed on him, If ye continue in my word, then are ye my disciples indeed; (John 8:31)).

• Dedication and Consecration (Rom. 12:1-8¹I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. ²And be not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect, will of God. ³For I say, through the grace given unto me, to every man that is among you, not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think; but to think soberly, according as God hath dealt to every man the measure of faith. ⁴For as we have many members in one body, and all members have not the same office: ⁵So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another. ⁶Having then gifts differing according to the grace that is given to us, whether prophecy, let us prophesy according to the proportion of faith; ⁷Or ministry, let us wait on our ministering: or he that teacheth, on teaching; ⁸Or he that exhorteth, on exhortation: he that giveth, let him do it with simplicity; he that ruleth, with diligence; he that showeth mercy, with cheerfulness. (Romans 12:1‑8)).

• The Christian virtues of faith, hope, and love (1 Thess. 1:3³Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father; (1 Thessalonians 1:3)).

• Morality (1 Cor. 6:12-20; 1¹²All things are lawful unto me, but all things are not expedient: all things are lawful for me, but I will not be brought under the power of any. ¹³Meats for the belly, and the belly for meats: but God shall destroy both it and them. Now the body is not for fornication, but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body. ¹⁴And God hath both raised up the Lord, and will also raise up us by his own power. ¹⁵Know ye not that your bodies are the members of Christ? shall I then take the members of Christ, and make them the members of an harlot? God forbid. ¹⁶What? know ye not that he which is joined to an harlot is one body? for two, saith he, shall be one flesh. ¹⁷But he that is joined unto the Lord is one spirit. ¹⁸Flee fornication. Every sin that a man doeth is without the body; but he that committeth fornication sinneth against his own body. ¹⁹What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? ²⁰For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's. (1 Corinthians 6:12‑20)
¹²Now this I say, that every one of you saith, I am of Paul; and I of Apollos; and I of Cephas; and I of Christ. ¹³Is Christ divided? was Paul crucified for you? or were ye baptized in the name of Paul? ¹⁴I thank God that I baptized none of you, but Crispus and Gaius; ¹⁵Lest any should say that I had baptized in mine own name. ¹⁶And I baptized also the household of Stephanas: besides, I know not whether I baptized any other. ¹⁷For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to preach the gospel: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. ¹⁸For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. ¹⁹For it is written, I will destroy the wisdom of the wise, and will bring to nothing the understanding of the prudent. ²⁰Where is the wise? where is the scribe? where is the disputer of this world? hath not God made foolish the wisdom of this world? (1 Corinthians 1:12‑20) Thess. 4:1-7).

• Marriage and family responsibilities (1 Cor. 7).

• Self-judgment (1 Cor. 11:27-32²⁷Wherefore whosoever shall eat this bread, and drink this cup of the Lord, unworthily, shall be guilty of the body and blood of the Lord. ²⁸But let a man examine himself, and so let him eat of that bread, and drink of that cup. ²⁹For he that eateth and drinketh unworthily, eateth and drinketh damnation to himself, not discerning the Lord's body. ³⁰For this cause many are weak and sickly among you, and many sleep. ³¹For if we would judge ourselves, we should not be judged. ³²But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world. (1 Corinthians 11:27‑32)).

• The school of God and its disciplines (Heb. 12:5-11⁵And ye have forgotten the exhortation which speaketh unto you as unto children, My son, despise not thou the chastening of the Lord, nor faint when thou art rebuked of him: ⁶For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth. ⁷If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not? ⁸But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons. ⁹Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live? ¹⁰For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness. ¹¹Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby. (Hebrews 12:5‑11)).

These lists cover many basic Christian doctrines and practices, but they are by no means exhaustive. They are topics that every believer needs to understand and to be established and encouraged in. People these days have a distinct advantage over the saints in those early days before the New Testament Scriptures were written. Nevertheless, even though the epistles had not been written yet, Timothy had learned these things by sitting at Paul’s feet (2 Tim. 3:10, 14¹⁰But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2 Timothy 3:10)
¹⁴But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; (2 Timothy 3:14)). This made him a useful man in helping to establish the Thessalonians (1 Tim. 4:16; 2¹⁶Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and them that hear thee. (1 Timothy 4:16)
¹This is a true saying, If a man desire the office of a bishop, he desireth a good work. (1 Timothy 3:1) Tim. 2:2).

Teaching and Pastoral Work

In order for a person to ground and settle others in the tenets of Christian doctrine and practice, he himself must be grounded in them. As mentioned, Timothy was well able for this work, for Paul said, “Thou hast fully known my doctrine, and manner of life” (2 Tim. 3:10¹⁰But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, (2 Timothy 3:10)). He had a gift for teaching (1 Tim. 1:3; 4:6, 13³As I besought thee to abide still at Ephesus, when I went into Macedonia, that thou mightest charge some that they teach no other doctrine, (1 Timothy 1:3)
⁶If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things, thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou hast attained. (1 Timothy 4:6)
¹³Till I come, give attendance to reading, to exhortation, to doctrine. (1 Timothy 4:13)) and for shepherding (Phil. 2:19-21¹⁹But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state. ²⁰For I have no man likeminded, who will naturally care for your state. ²¹For all seek their own, not the things which are Jesus Christ's. (Philippians 2:19‑21)). Therefore, Paul calls him a “minister of God” (vs. 2). In doing this, he gave his apostolic commendation of Timothy to the Thessalonians. This would give them confidence in him, and assure them that what he had taught them was from God.

The practical aim of this two-fold ministry of establishing and encouraging the saints was with a view that “no one might be moved” (vs. 3). In stating this, Paul now reminds them that they were in a spiritual battle with a very wicked enemy—the devil, whom he calls “the tempter” (vs. 5). Satan was seeking to shake their confidence in the Lord through the “afflictions” of persecution leveled at them. It was designed to move or drive them away from following the Lord.

In a parenthesis in verses 3b-4, Paul reminds them that they had seen the fierceness of it firsthand by what had happened to Silas and him when they were with them (Acts 17), and that it was normal to Christianity to "suffer tribulation" of this kind. Thus, they needed to be prepared for it. Every new convert needs to understand that Christianity is not popular. The whole world system and those who are part and parcel with it are opposed to God and Christ. To take the Christian stand means that there will surely be reproach and persecution from those who hate Christ (John 15:19¹⁹If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. (John 15:19)). Unfortunately, through hearing a faulty presentation of the gospel, many today have the idea that by getting saved they will never have another problem again in their lives. They mistake the Lord, as Mary Magdalene did, for being “the Gardener” (John 20:15¹⁵Jesus saith unto her, Woman, why weepest thou? whom seekest thou? She, supposing him to be the gardener, saith unto him, Sir, if thou have borne him hence, tell me where thou hast laid him, and I will take him away. (John 20:15)). That is, they think that He will rake their lives into a beautiful bed of roses and that they will never be sick again, or have money problems, and that everything they undertake in life will be a success, etc. However, Scripture does not teach this. The truth is that the Lord may not necessarily take us out of our problems, but rather, He will help us in them. Hence, the new convert needs to be prepared for adversity, since it is normal Christianity. It is important that they understand this so that they will not be disillusioned when problems and opposition come their way.

Perfecting That Which Was Lacking

Vss. 6-7—Timothy returned to Paul and his fellow labourers with “good tidings” that the Thessalonians’ spiritual state was good. When he told the Apostle of their “faith” and “charity [love]” and of their great desire to see the missionaries again, Paul and those with him were “comforted,” for they too were being buffeted with “distress and tribulation” from Satan’s attacks. The news that the Thessalonians were enduring those things for Christ’s sake was something to thank the Lord for. This shows that continuance in the path gives evidence of the reality of one’s faith.

Hope is conspicuous by its absence here. It is the third item in the trio of Christian virtues mentioned in chapter 1:3—faith, love, and hope. Since these three things normally go together in reference to the Christian’s state, it is evident by hope’s absence that there was some weakness with the Thessalonians in this regard. From what Paul alludes to in chapter 4:13-14, we gather that they had a misunderstanding regarding the saints who had deceased. Apparently, they thought that all such would miss out on being part of the kingdom of Christ when He would reign. Also, from 2 Thessalonians 2, we learn that they had some misunderstandings in connection with “the day of the Lord,” resulting from bad teaching which had infiltrated their ranks and had upset their hope.

Vss. 8-9—Paul proceeds to tell the Thessalonians that he and his fellow workers would not rest until they reached a point in their spiritual development where they could “stand fast in the Lord.” This was a particular concern to Paul (Col. 1:28²⁸Whom we preach, warning every man, and teaching every man in all wisdom; that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus: (Colossians 1:28)), and it should be a concern of every Christian worker labouring with new converts. Until young converts “come in [arrive at] the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect [full-grown] man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ,” they will remain as “children [babes]” and will be in constant danger of being “tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive” (Eph. 4:13-14¹³Till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ: ¹⁴That we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive; (Ephesians 4:13‑14)). It is, therefore, imperative that all such get established in the faith as soon as possible.

Nevertheless, Paul gave “thanks” for what he saw in their spiritual progress, and continued to pray “night and day” for them and for an opportunity to be with them face to face and to “perfect” what was “lacking” in their “faith.” This would likely have to do with those things that they had misunderstood concerning the hope (vs. 10). Until that time came, Paul hoped that this epistle would minister to that need. He committed the timing of this visit to “God Himself” who would open the way in His good time (vs. 11).

Vss. 12-13—In the meantime, Paul’s desire and prayer was that the Lord would cause them to “increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men.” This shows that he had a keen interest in their spiritual growth—which is not just having an intellectual understanding of the truth, but also of having the heart’s affections moved in accord with the truth, which evidences itself in having “love one toward another.” Thus, spiritual growth is not merely having a grasp of the truth, but the truth having a grasp on us!

Paul’s ultimate goal was that God would “stablish [confirm]” their “hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.” In other words, he wanted to see them get through the dangers and pitfalls in the pathway of faith and be preserved in holiness unto the end of their earthly journey, so that they would be displayed in full kingdom glory when Christ comes. The aspect of the Lord’s coming that he is referring to here is the Appearing of Christ, when “He shall come to be glorified in the saints, and to be admired in all them that believe” (2 Thess. 1:10¹⁰When he shall come to be glorified in his saints, and to be admired in all them that believe (because our testimony among you was believed) in that day. (2 Thessalonians 1:10)).

In this third chapter, we see that Paul’s great desire for the Thessalonians was that they would grow spiritually in the Lord, and in the end, that they would be approved of God and ultimately be displayed in kingdom glory with Christ. It has been the underlying theme of the chapter. Christian maturity has been his aim. Thus, follow-up work among new converts involves:

• Establishing them through sound teaching.

• Encouraging them through personal interaction.

• Praying for them regarding their spiritual growth.

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