1 Thessalonians 3:2

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

And {G2532} sent {G3992} Timotheus {G5095}, our {G2257} brother {G80}, and {G2532} minister {G1249} of God {G2316}, and {G2532} our {G2257} fellowlabourer {G4904} in {G1722} the gospel {G2098} of Christ {G5547}, to {G1519} establish {G4741} you {G5209}, and {G2532} to comfort {G3870} you {G5209} concerning {G4012} your {G5216} faith {G4102}:

and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker for the Good News of the Messiah, to make you solid and encourage you in your trust;

We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

In 1 Thessalonians 3:2, the Apostle Paul continues to explain his deep pastoral concern for the young church in Thessalonica. Having been forced to leave them abruptly due to persecution (as detailed in 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18), Paul sent his trusted associate, Timothy, to check on their spiritual well-being.

Context

Paul, Silas, and Timothy had recently established the church in Thessalonica but were soon driven out by opposition. This verse highlights Paul's profound anxiety over the new believers, who were left to face significant persecution themselves. Unable to return personally, Paul made the sacrifice of sending Timothy, a vital member of his missionary team, to provide direct support and encouragement. This act underscores the immense value Paul placed on the spiritual stability of the Thessalonians amidst their trials, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to their growth in Christ and their endurance in faith.

Key Themes

  • Pastoral Care and Concern: Paul's sending of Timothy is a powerful testament to his deep love and genuine concern for the spiritual maturity and endurance of the Thessalonian believers. It exemplifies true spiritual leadership focused on the flock's welfare, even at personal cost.
  • Partnership in Ministry: Timothy is described not only as "our brother" but also as a "minister of God" and "fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ." This highlights the collaborative nature of early Christian ministry and the importance of dedicated co-workers in spreading and sustaining the good news.
  • Strengthening and Comforting Faith: The primary purposes for Timothy's mission were "to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith." This speaks to the crucial need for believers, especially new converts facing adversity, to be grounded and made firm in their convictions, and to receive encouragement in their walk of faith.

Linguistic Insights

  • The term "minister of God" comes from the Greek word diakonos (διάκονος), which means a servant or one who renders service. It emphasizes Timothy's role as a dedicated servant in God's work.
  • "Fellowlabourer" translates the Greek synergos (συνεργός), signifying a co-worker or partner. This term underscores the shared effort and mutual support among those engaged in the gospel ministry.
  • "Establish" is from stērizō (στηρίζω), meaning to make firm, strengthen, or confirm. It implies providing a solid foundation, particularly important for new believers whose faith might be shaken by external pressures or trials.
  • "Comfort" is from parakaleō (παρακαλέω), which carries a broad meaning of to call alongside, encourage, exhort, or console. In this context, it speaks to providing solace and strength to those enduring hardship for their faith.

Practical Application

This verse offers timeless insights for believers today. It reminds us of the critical role of spiritual leadership and mentorship in nurturing faith within the church. Like Timothy, we are called to be instruments of God's grace, reaching out to strengthen and encourage fellow believers, especially those who are struggling or new in their walk with Christ. It emphasizes that true faith is not static but requires ongoing establishment and comfort, particularly when facing life's challenges and spiritual battles. The passage also highlights the value of partnership in ministry, showing that the work of the gospel is a shared responsibility, requiring dedication and collaboration to help others become rooted and built up in their faith.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Acts 14:22

    Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

  • Acts 14:23

    And when they had ordained them elders in every church, and had prayed with fasting, they commended them to the Lord, on whom they believed.

  • Ephesians 6:21

    But that ye also may know my affairs, [and] how I do, Tychicus, a beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:

  • Ephesians 6:22

    Whom I have sent unto you for the same purpose, that ye might know our affairs, and [that] he might comfort your hearts.

  • Philippians 2:19

    But I trust in the Lord Jesus to send Timotheus shortly unto you, that I also may be of good comfort, when I know your state.

  • Philippians 2:25

    Yet I supposed it necessary to send to you Epaphroditus, my brother, and companion in labour, and fellowsoldier, but your messenger, and he that ministered to my wants.

  • 2 Corinthians 1:19

    For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us, [even] by me and Silvanus and Timotheus, was not yea and nay, but in him was yea.

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