Timothy Returns and Reports to Paul
Introduction
Paul is writing to the church in Thessalonica after being forced to leave the city due to persecution. He sent Timothy back to check on the believers and bring back news about their faith (3:1–6). Timothy’s good report greatly encouraged Paul, yet he still longs to return to strengthen them further.
1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 NLT
Timothy Returns and Reports to Paul
6 But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you. 7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith. 8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
9 How we thank God for you! Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence. 10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you, asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
Examine the Scriptures:
1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 NLT
Timothy Returns and Reports to Paul
6 But now Timothy has just returned, (most likely to Corinth)
Paul had sent Timothy back to the church in Thessalonica to “find out whether their faith was still strong. Paul was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of them and that his work had been useless”. (v.5)
and
Paul wanted Timothy to encourage the Thessalonians in their faith.
Timothy had just returned from this mission.
bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you.
- Timothy had returned to Paul with a good report.
He brought good news about their faith and love.
“Your faith” – The Thessalonians had remained faithful to Christ.
“Your love” – The Thessalonians remembered Paul’s visit with joy and wanted to see the apostles as much as they wanted to see the Thessalonians.
- Faith, love, and hope represent the core of Christian life: faith toward God, love toward others, and hope for the future.
Paul had previously seen these qualities in the Thessalonians:
1 Thessalonians 1:3 NLT
3 As we pray to our God and Father about you, we think of your faithful work, your loving deeds, and the enduring hope you have because of our Lord Jesus Christ.
7 So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.
The tempter had gotten the best of them.
- Hearing of the Thessalonians’ faith was a source of encouragement to Paul and his team.
In this passage Paul expresses great relief and joy after hearing good news about the Thessalonian believers from Timothy.
It is encouraging to us to see young families, who are a part of the Redeemer family, stranding firm in the Lord.
8 It gives us new life to know that you are standing firm in the Lord.
Paul’s heart was heart is revived; the Thessalonian’s perseverance showed him that his ministry was not in vain.
Paul was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of them and that his work had been useless”. (v.5)
- The Thessalonians were standing firm in the Lord. It’s crucial that we do the same.
Stand firm in the Lord.
Other challenging words of encouragement from Paul:
2 Thessalonians 2:15 NLT
15 … stand firm and keep a strong grip on the teaching we passed on to you …
1 Corinthians 16:13 NLT
13 Be on guard. Stand firm in the faith. Be courageous. Be strong.
Galatians 5:1 LT
5:1 So Christ has truly set us free. Now make sure that you stay free, and don’t get tied up again in slavery to the law.
Ephesians 6:11 NLT
11 Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil.
Philippians 1:27 NLT
27 Above all, you must live as citizens of heaven, conducting yourselves in a manner worthy of the Good News about Christ.
Philippians 4:1 NLT
4:1 Therefore, my dear brothers and sisters, stay true to the Lord.
9 How we thank God for you!
Paul’s joy leads to overflowing gratitude to God.
Paul thanks God for all that God had done in the church at Thessalonica.
Paul’s time at Thessalonica had been very productive. However, Paul recognizes that it was because of what God had done, not what he had done.
Philippians 2:13 NLT (Paul speaking to the Philippians)
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
- Every sign of faithfulness among believers is cause for worship and gratitude.
Because of you we have great joy as we enter God’s presence.
Repeat a verse used in our previous lesson.
3 John 4 NLT
4 I could have no greater joy than to hear that my children are following the truth.
10 Night and day we pray earnestly for you,
“Night and day …” Paul’s unceasing prayer shows his deep concern.
“… we pray earnestly for you.” – Paul prayed with intensity.
Paul knew their faith was still young and needed strengthening.
Paul’s ministry to them continues through prayer even though he’s physically separated.
- Pastoral love involves both prayer and instruction.
Here at Redeemer, we are imitating Paul when we pray for our students.
- Your students benefit from your love, your prayers, and your instruction.
Some verses to reflect on:
Colossians 4:2 NLT
2 Devote yourselves to prayer with an alert mind and a thankful heart.
1 Timothy 2:1 NLT
2:1 I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them.
Ephesians 6:18 NLT
18 Pray in the Spirit (under the guidance, influence, and power of the Holy Spirit), at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere.
asking God to let us see you again to fill the gaps in your faith.
Paul is not criticizing the church. He is acknowledging that they had not reached their full potential.
The Thessalonians were still maturing.
All believers have room to improve.
- Paul wanted to be with the Thessalonians, in person, so that he could “to fill in the gaps in their faith”.
- Even strong believers have areas where their faith needs to be strengthened.
- Spiritual growth is a lifelong process.
