1 Thessalonians 3:1-2
The Sending of Timothy
Welcome back to our study of 1 Thessalonians. Every weekday we focus on a section of Scripture, combined with Malcolm’s commentary and practical ways to reflect, pray, and act. The entire commentary is available as a book here.
1 Thessalonians 3:1
“Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone,”
when we could bear it no longer
Paul knew the opposition toward him during his time there would have continued in his absence and been directed toward the Thessalonian believers.
Ever since his abrupt departure, he has wanted to know the state of their faith (1 Thess. 3:5) and also to have the opportunity to encourage them to endure.
willing to be left behind at Athens alone
The Greek word means “abandoned.” Paul was working hard at Athens and would certainly have needed both personal company and help with the work. But the Thessalonians had a greater need for Timothy.
Fivefold Ministry
As a servant leader, Paul put the needs of the people before his own.
Athens
Paul probably wrote this letter from Corinth. He was in Athens before then.
1 Thessalonians 3:2
“and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s co-worker in the Gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,”
we sent Timothy
This is not mentioned in Acts. This was probably the decision of Paul, Timothy and Silas.
It appears that Paul had traveled from Berea to Athens without Timothy and Silas (Acts 17:14). When he reached Athens he sent a message back to Berea (by the Berean believers who had traveled with him) for Timothy and Silas to join him in Athens as soon as possible (Acts 17:15). Apparently Timothy and Silas did so. Then, from Athens, they sent Timothy to Thessalonica to see how the believers were doing and to encourage them. Silas also returned to Macedonia around the same time, perhaps to check on the Philippian church (Acts 18:5). Silas and Timothy both then returned from Macedonia to join Paul in Corinth where he had gone after Athens (Acts 18:1, 5). Then, from Corinth, Paul wrote this letter to the Thessalonians.
our brother
Another family reference. We also see how Paul spoke about his team members – not only affectionately but also highly, as peers.
God’s co-worker
Every Christian leader is a co-worker with God (1 Cor. 3:9).
The Centrality of Christ
Jesus is building His Church (Matt. 16:18). It is His work to be done in His way by His enabling and for His glory. It is not our work. We work in union with Him.
Fivefold Ministry
True leaders do not set themselves up as celebrities, higher than others. Instead they build teams of co-workers – teams of affection, honor, respect and love (Rom. 16: 3, 9, 21; Phil. 2:25, Phm. 1, 24).
Relational Dynamic
Paul had a healthy team culture that exemplified humility and mutual respect to the churches they planted. Culture is nurtured through the examples of the leaders and how they treat each other. If the leaders are competitive then the people will be competitive.
to establish and exhort you in your faith
The two verbs express that Timothy’s purpose was to strengthen them by encouraging them.
your faith
The whole of their Christian life.
Reflect: Consider your co-workers in ministry. Do you interact regularly with them in affection, honor, respect, and love? Why or why not?
Pray: Pray for humility in all of your actions, especially relating to your interactions with your team. Then pray for each of those in your immediate team by name.
Act: Get together with your immediate team (or a team member) for prayer and mutual encouragement.