◄ 1 Thessalonians 3:6 ►
But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit with the good news about your faith, your love, and the fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you.
Study Bible
But just now, Timothy has returned from his visit
Timothy's return is significant as it highlights the close relationship between Paul and the Thessalonian church. Timothy was a trusted companion of Paul, often sent to churches to provide support and report back. His return indicates the urgency and importance of the message he brings. In Acts 17:14-15, we see Timothy's role as a messenger and support to Paul, emphasizing the trust Paul placed in him.

with the good news about your faith
The Thessalonians' faith was a source of joy for Paul. Despite persecution (1 Thessalonians 1:6), their steadfastness in faith was commendable. This faith is not just belief but an active trust in God, as seen in Hebrews 11:1. Their faith serves as a model for other churches, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 1:7-8.

your love
Love is a central theme in Paul's letters, often linked with faith and hope (1 Corinthians 13:13). The Thessalonians' love was evident in their actions and relationships, reflecting the commandment to love one another (John 13:34-35). This love was not only for fellow believers but extended to all, as seen in 1 Thessalonians 3:12.

and the fond memories you have preserved
The Thessalonians cherished their relationship with Paul and his companions. This mutual affection is a testament to the deep bonds formed through shared faith and experiences. Such memories are vital for maintaining unity and encouragement within the body of Christ, as seen in Philippians 1:3-5.

longing to see us just as we long to see you
This mutual longing underscores the deep personal connection between Paul and the Thessalonians. It reflects the early Christian community's emphasis on fellowship and personal relationships (Acts 2:42). This longing also points to the eschatological hope of ultimate reunion in Christ, as believers anticipate the return of Jesus (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).

Persons / Places / Events
1. Paul
The apostle who wrote the letter to the Thessalonians, expressing his joy and relief upon hearing the good news from Timothy.

2. Timothy
A young disciple and companion of Paul, sent to Thessalonica to strengthen and encourage the church in their faith.

3. Thessalonica
A city in Macedonia where Paul had established a church during his second missionary journey.

4. Thessalonian Church
The recipients of Paul's letter, known for their faith and love despite facing persecution.

5. Good News
The positive report Timothy brought back to Paul about the Thessalonians' steadfast faith and love.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Encouragement
Just as Timothy's report encouraged Paul, we should seek to encourage one another in our faith journeys.

Faith and Love as Hallmarks of Christian Life
The Thessalonians' faith and love were noteworthy and should be emulated in our own lives.

The Value of Christian Fellowship
The mutual longing between Paul and the Thessalonians underscores the importance of maintaining strong relationships within the body of Christ.

The Role of Memory in Faith
Recalling positive memories of fellow believers can strengthen our faith and resolve during challenging times.

The Impact of a Good Report
Sharing testimonies of faith can uplift and inspire others, reinforcing the community's spiritual health.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Timothy's role in this passage illustrate the importance of mentorship and discipleship in the church today?

2. In what ways can we actively encourage and support the faith and love of our fellow believers, as seen in the Thessalonian church?

3. Reflect on a time when you received "good news" about someone's faith. How did it impact your own spiritual journey?

4. How can we cultivate and maintain "good memories" of our fellow believers, and why is this important for our spiritual growth?

5. What practical steps can we take to ensure that our faith and love are evident to others, as they were in the Thessalonian church?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Acts 17:1-9
Provides background on Paul's initial visit to Thessalonica and the establishment of the church there.

1 Corinthians 13
Highlights the importance of faith and love, which are central to the report Timothy brings back.

Philippians 1:3-8
Paul expresses similar sentiments of joy and longing for the believers in Philippi, showing a pattern in his pastoral care.

2 Timothy 1:5
Reflects on Timothy's sincere faith, which parallels the faith of the Thessalonians.

Hebrews 10:24-25
Encourages believers to spur one another on in love and good deeds, akin to the Thessalonians' example.
Sermons
Faith and Charity1 Thessalonians 3:6
News that GladdensG. Barlow.1 Thessalonians 3:6
Great Desire to See the ThessaloniansR. Finlayson 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13
The Happy Issue of Timothy's Visit to ThessalonicaT. Croskery 1 Thessalonians 3:6-8
The Return of TimotheusB.C. Caffin 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10
People
Paul, Thessalonians, Timotheus, Timothy
Places
Athens, Thessalonica
Topics
Affectionate, Always, Charity, Cherish, Constant, Declared, Desiring, Faith, Glad, Greatly, Happy, Kindly, Longing, Love, Memories, News, Pleasant, Recently, Recollection, Remember, Remembrance, Reported, Tidings, Timotheus, Timothy
Dictionary of Bible Themes
1 Thessalonians 3:6

     8021   faith, nature of

1 Thessalonians 3:6-10

     5426   news

Library
Whether the Movement of the Saints Will be Instantaneous?
Objection 1: It would seem that movement of the saints will be instantaneous. For Augustine says (De Civ. Dei xxii, 30) that "wherever the spirit listeth there will the body be." Now the movement of the will, whereby the spirit wishes to be anywhere, is instantaneous. Therefore the body's movement will be instantaneous. Objection 2: Further, the Philosopher (Phys. iv, 8) proves that there is no movement through a vacuum, because it would follow that something moves instantaneously, since a vacuum …
Saint Thomas Aquinas—Summa Theologica

Calvin -- Enduring Persecution for Christ
John Calvin was born in 1509, at Noyon, France. He has been called the greatest of Protestant commentators and theologians, and the inspirer of the Puritan exodus. He often preached every day for weeks in succession. He possest two of the greatest elements in successful pulpit oratory, self-reliance and authority. It was said of him, as it was afterward said of Webster, that "every word weighed a pound." His style was simple, direct, and convincing. He made men think. His splendid contributions to …
Various—The World's Great Sermons, Volume I

Heathenism.
Literature. I. Sources. The works of the Greek and Roman Classics from Homer to Virgil and the age of the Antonines. The monuments of Antiquity. The writings of the early Christian Apologists, especially Justin Martyr: Apologia I. and II.; Tertullian: Apologeticus; Minucius Felix: Octavius; Eusebius: Praeparatio Evangelica; and Augustine (d. 430): De Civitate Dei (the first ten books). II. Later Works. Is. Vossius: De theologia gentili et physiolog. Christ. Frcf. 1675, 2 vols. Creuzer (d. 1858): …
Philip Schaff—History of the Christian Church, Volume I

The Beginning of the New Testament
[Illustration: (drop cap T) Coin of Thessalonica] Turn to the list of books given in the beginning of your New Testament. You will see that first come the four Gospels, or glimpses of the Saviour's life given by four different writers. Then follows the Acts of the Apostles, and, lastly, after the twenty-one epistles, the volume ends with the Revelation. Now this is not the order in which the books were written--they are only arranged like this for our convenience. The first words of the New Testament …
Mildred Duff—The Bible in its Making

Paul at Corinth
'After these things Paul departed from Athens, and came to Corinth; 2. And found a certain Jew named Aquila, born in Pontus, lately come from Italy, with his wife Priscilla; (because that Claudius had commanded all Jews to depart from Rome:) and came unto them. 3. And because he was of the same craft, he abode with them, and wrought: for by their occupation they were tent-makers. 4. And he reasoned in the synagogue every sabbath, and persuaded the Jews and the Greeks. 5. And when Silas and Timotheus …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture: The Acts

The Protevangelium.
As the mission of Christ was rendered necessary by the fall of man, so the first dark intimation of Him was given immediately after the fall. It is found in the sentence of punishment which was passed upon the tempter. Gen. iii. 14, 15. A correct understanding of it, however, can be obtained only after we have ascertained who the tempter was. It is, in the first place, unquestionable that a real serpent was engaged in the temptation; so that the opinion of those who maintain that the serpent is only …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Growth in Grace
'But grow in grace.' 2 Pet 3:38. True grace is progressive, of a spreading and growing nature. It is with grace as with light; first, there is the crepusculum, or daybreak; then it shines brighter to the full meridian. A good Christian is like the crocodile. Quamdiu vivet crescit; he has never done growing. The saints are not only compared to stars for their light, but to trees for their growth. Isa 61:1, and Hos 14:4. A good Christian is not like Hezekiah's sun that went backwards, nor Joshua's …
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

Concerning Persecution
Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Matthew 5:10 We are now come to the last beatitude: Blessed are they which are persecuted . . '. Our Lord Christ would have us reckon the cost. Which of you intending to build a tower sitteth not down first and counteth the cost, whether he have enough to finish it?' (Luke 14:28). Religion will cost us the tears of repentance and the blood of persecution. But we see here a great encouragement that may …
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

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