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Commentaries and Other Bible Study Helps - Prayer Tents - Prayer Tents
2:17-3:10 Paul's Defense of the Missionaries during Their Absence. Just as 2:1-12 is a defense of the missionaries during the mission in Thessalonica, 2:17-3:10 is a defense of the missionaries' absence. Thus Paul expresses his concern that the missionaries' premature departure from Thessalonica, the length of the absence, and his own failure to return should not be misinterpreted as evidence of a lack of pastoral concern.
2:17 The missionaries left Thessalonica against their will in the face of persecution. Torn away (Gk. aporphanizō, "orphaned") suggests deep distress at involuntary separation. for a short time. Timothy's recent visit ended the brief absence. in person not in heart. Physical absence did not reflect a lack of concern. we endeavored . . . to see you. Contrary to what the Thessalonians might think, the missionaries had repeatedly tried to get back to Thessalonica.
2:18 I, Paul. This reveals that Paul is the author of this letter and that he feels the need to defend himself with respect to the period of absence. Satan hindered us. It is not known what means Satan used to prevent a reunion.
2:19-20 Presenting his converts to Jesus at the second coming is an integral part of Paul's Christian hope. crown. Crowns or wreaths were given to winning athletes.
3:1 The sending of Timothy was due to Paul's inability to endure any longer his separation from the Thessalonians, and not knowing how they were doing. Moreover, it was a sacrificial act, reflecting deep pastoral love, since Paul was left behind at Athens alone (see note on Acts 17:15).
3:2 God's coworker. A remarkably lofty title (see 1 Cor. 3:9). Paul seems to be highlighting Timothy's credentials to offset any negative sentiment on the part of the Thessalonians at Paul's sending his junior associate to them instead of coming himself.
3:3-4 Paul's motive for sending Timothy was to strengthen the persecuted Thessalonians (cf. 2 Thess. 1:5-7). we are destined for this. Christians are destined to suffer tribulation for their faith (Rom. 8:17-18; 2 Tim. 3:12; also Mark 10:30; 1 Pet. 4:12-13). Apparently the Thessalonians had been taken aback by the unrelenting persecution.
3:5 tempter. Satan tempted Jesus (Matt. 4:1-11) and tempts Christians (1 Cor. 7:5). our labor would be in vain. If Satan had succeeded in tempting the Thessalonians to abandon their newfound faith, Paul's missionary work would have been fruitless.
3:6-10 Paul outlines his distress as he waited for Timothy's report, his relief and thanksgiving upon learning the good news about the Thessalonian Christians, and his longing to see them again.
3:6 As soon as Timothy returns from Thessalonica, Paul composes his letter to the Thessalonians. Timothy has reported good news concerning the Thessalonians' faith and love (strikingly, there is no mention here of hope; see 4:13) and that the Thessalonians long to see Paul. Paul reassuringly reiterates that he also longs to see them.
3:7 in all our distress and affliction. The missionaries, like the Thessalonians, are suffering for Christ (see vv. 3-4).
3:9-10 Paul gives thanks for Timothy's great news (v. 9) and then highlights by means of a prayer report his eagerness for a return visit to Thessalonica (v. 10). what is lacking in your faith. Due to their premature departure from Thessalonica, the missionaries had been unable to complete their usual instruction of Christians in the fundamentals of the faith. One particular lack in their instruction related to the second coming and the final resurrection (4:13-18).
