Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 3:1-8
Introduction
The expression of the Apostle Paul’s love here is simply astounding. I have been listening to a series on 1 Thessalonians by Paul Washer, and he brought out the point of just how concerned Paul was over the spiritual state of the Church of Christ. He cared about their welfare as much or more than a father cares for his biological children. He couldn't bear not to know how they were, and was not at rest or peace until he sent Timothy to bring back a report.
Paul’s Concern
Paul is clearly stating to the church at Thessalonica the love that he has for them. He writes to them and tells them that he is even willing to be left alone at Athens for their sake. In Paul's many afflictions, the fellowship that he had with his fellowlaborers was extremely important to him, as you can see when Titus came in 2 Corinthians 7:6 “Nevertheless God, that comforteth those that are cast down, comforted us by the coming of Titus;” So, to send Timothy, was actually a great sacrifice, but he was willing to do it for the sake of knowing the state of his spiritual children
Affliction
Paul clearly states here that we are "destined" for affliction. This is similar to what he tells Timothy in 2 Timothy 3:12: “Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.” He tells them not to be moved, and that he had told them beforehand that they should suffer as Christians. This tells me that we must tell those who would come to Christ as well as young Christians that the road is rough and stony. Paul made sure to tell the yong Christians in Thessalonica that this was what he told them about, and to remain strong amid the trials. Coming from their spiritual father, it must have been a great source of succor and strength to them.
Conclusion
Paul finalizes this section of his letter by again mentioning that his heart was troubled almost to the breaking point not knowing for sure that they were standing fast in the Lord. After Timothy comes back with a good report, Paul tells them that even in all their distress, persecution, pain, imprisonment, and affliction, that they are comforted, knowing that the Thessalonian Church stood firm in the Lord.
“For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord.” The Apostle Paul