Chapter Three
1 Thess. 3:1. And therefore, no longer able to bear it, we were willing to be left behind in Athens alone,
That is: they chose and preferred.
1 Thess. 3:2. And sent Timothy, our brother and servant of God and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ,
Such was the care of the holy apostle Paul for his disciples, that when he himself was detained by some difficult circumstances, he would send others to visit his disciples. This is what he did then as well, sending Timothy. And he speaks of him with such praise, not so much exalting him as honoring them by the fact that one so indispensable at such a time he drew away for their sake from the work of ministry as a "fellow worker in the Gospel."
1 Thess. 3:2. to establish you and to comfort you in your faith,
Since the Thessalonians were troubled by the fact that their teacher was subjected to trials, they had need of strengthening and consolation, so as not to fall away from the faith. For the trials of a teacher cause no small disturbance to the disciples, just as the wounds of a commander do to the soldiers.
1 Thess. 3:3. That no one would be shaken by these afflictions:
The Apostle indicates here what benefit the confirmation from the person of holy Timothy was meant to bring them. This, he says, is so that they would not be shaken, that is, not lose heart and not grow weak in view of my trials. For the devil, when he finds a favorable time for temptation, unsettles the unsteady by reminding them of their former ease, so that they would fall away from that which was the cause of their afflictions. Some, however, have said that σαίνεθαι, "to be shaken, to be disturbed," is used in place of ταράττεσθαι, "to be agitated" — a metaphor taken from dogs which, when they fawn, wag their tails.
1 Thess. 3:3. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
We should hear that Christians are destined to suffer: for he did not say this about the apostles alone. So, when we are appointed to this, what is new if we experience sorrow? Therefore we must remain undisturbed not only by past temptations, but also by future ones. This should be all the more characteristic of us.
1 Thess. 3:4. For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we would suffer, as indeed came to pass, and you know.
It is a great consolation for disciples when the teacher has told them about afflictions beforehand. For afterwards they were not troubled by them as by something unexpected. Therefore Christ also said to the apostles: "I told you before it came to pass, that when it is come to pass, you might believe" (John 14:29). Paul told them not only this, but also many other things, which likewise came to pass.
1 Thess. 3:5. Therefore I also, no longer able to endure, sent
O Paul! If you predicted to them that you would endure affliction, and that they should not be troubled by this affliction, then why do you send again? It turns out that you do not yet fully trust them. Out of great love, he says, I do this. For those who love are anxious even about what is safe. At the same time, the temptations were many, and the excessive multitude of calamities frightened me. Therefore he did not say: having noticed something in you, I sent, but "being unable to bear it any longer," which comes from love.
1 Thess. 3:5. to learn about your faith,
Here some ask: why did he who was caught up to the third heaven, who heard inexpressible words (2 Cor. 12:6), not know what was happening with the Thessalonians, but sent Timothy "to learn about their faith"? One may say that not everything was known even by the saints who lived before Christ and after Christ. For Elisha too did not know about the Shunammite woman (2 Kings 4:8). And Elijah thought that he alone was left, while there were still seven thousand others (1 Kings 19:10). And before them, Samuel receives instruction not to pay attention to the appearance of David's eldest brother (1 Sam. 16:7). So the apostles too did not know everything. And this was by the special providence of God, so that neither would they themselves become proud, nor would others think too highly of them, and so that later Christians could not say that they performed feats of virtue because they were above ordinary men, and therefore give themselves over to negligence; but rather, so that we would know that even they did not always rely on the help of God, but accomplished their feats through their own labors.
1 Thess. 3:5. lest the tempter had tempted you
I, he says, did not suppose that you were shaken, except perhaps because you were subjected to temptations. Do you see that disturbance in afflictions is the work of the devil, and especially when some are scandalized as a result of others experiencing misfortune? So he acted with Job, troubling his wife by the fact that he was suffering. However, the devil tempts without knowing whether he will prevail, as is evident from the example of Job; yet, being shameless, he attacks, and if he sees any weakness, he remains and waits; but if he sees strength, he retreats.
1 Thess. 3:5. and our labor did not become vain.
If they had gone astray, O Paul, what is that to you? Your labor will not remain without full reward from God. However, he says, on account of my strong love, I would have considered my labor lost.
1 Thess. 3:6. But now, when Timothy came to us from you and brought us the good news of your faith and love,
I, he says, expected one thing, but the opposite happened. Pay attention to the great joy of Paul! He did not say: news, but: "good news." So great a blessing did he consider their steadfastness in the faith. And he rejoiced in their love, because it was a sign of their faith.
1 Thess. 3:6. and that you always have a good remembrance of us, desiring to see us, as we also desire to see you.
That is, you remember us with praises and approval. Listen, disciples, and learn to always preserve a good memory of your teachers. For by this you will bring benefit to yourselves, not to them. It is a very great consolation and joy for the Thessalonians that Paul knows he is loved by them – this will inflame their love even more.