Justin Houtz

1 Chronicles 22-24; 1 Thessalonians 3

DateVersionReading Plan
May 14, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

1 Thessalonians 3

Observation & Interpretation

As Paul was behind in Athens, he sent Timothy, their brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to the Thessalonian church to learn about their faith (v. 2-5). Timothy reported back to Paul and company the good news of their faith and love and that they always remembered Paul kindly, longing to see Paul as Paul longed to see them (v. 6). In all their distress and affliction, Paul was comforted about them through their faith (v. 7). Paul expressed that his livelihood was deeply interwoven with their standing fast in the Lord (v. 8). He rhetorically asked what thanksgiving could return to God for them as they prayed earnestly day and night to see them face to face and supply what was lacking in their faith (v. 10).

The chapter concludes with a prayer of Paul to direct his way to the church and that He would make them increase and abound in love for one another and for all as Paul and his company did for them (v. 12). He spoke of his desire that the Lord would establish their hearts blameless in holiness before God at the coming of the Lord Jesus with all the saints (v. 13).

Application

In the good report returned to Paul by Timothy, we see Paul’s humility and sacrificial love for the church. Despite being in distress and affliction, his focus was entirely on their spiritual flourishing rather than his own circumstances. His very life was wrapped up in their faith and love for one another, bringing him comfort and leading him to thank God for all the joy they felt for their sake before God.

Would this be for God’s people, that the source of our joy would not be in our own wellbeing but in Christ and the work He is doing in His children. May our gaze be upward and outward in self-forgetfulness, offering up our very lives for the proclamation of the gospel, the building of the church and the exaltation of His great name.

Resources