1 Thessalonians 3:6

KJV

¶ But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you:

KJV (with Strong's)

But {G1161} now {G737} when Timotheus {G5095} came {G2064} from {G575} you {G5216} unto {G4314} us {G2248}, and {G2532} brought {G2097} us {G2254} good tidings {G2097} of your {G5216} faith {G4102} and {G2532} charity {G26}, and {G2532} that {G3754} ye have {G2192} good {G18} remembrance {G3417} of us {G2257} always {G3842}, desiring greatly {G1971} to see {G1492} us {G2248}, as {G2509} we {G2249} also {G2532} to see you {G5209}:

Complete Jewish Bible

But now Timothy has come to us from you, bringing good news about your trust and love, and telling us that you remember us well and are always longing to see us, just as we long to see you.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
First Thessalonians 3:6 marks a pivotal moment of profound relief and joy for the Apostle Paul. After a period of anxious separation and deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the Thessalonian believers, Paul's trusted co-worker, Timothy, returns with a highly anticipated report. The news is overwhelmingly positive: the Thessalonians are steadfast in their faith, abounding in love, and hold a warm, constant remembrance of Paul and his companions, eagerly desiring to reunite with them, a longing that is fully reciprocated by Paul.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the joyful culmination of Paul's expressed anxiety in the preceding verses. In [1 Thessalonians 3:1-5](/1_thessalonians/3-1-5 "Paul's Anxiety and Sending of Timothy"), Paul describes his inability to endure the separation and his decision to send Timothy to strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians, fearing that the persecutions they faced might have shaken their faith. The news Timothy brings in [1 Thessalonians 3:6](/1_thessalonians/3-6 "Timothy's Good Report") directly alleviates these fears, setting the stage for Paul's subsequent outpouring of gratitude and prayer in [1 Thessalonians 3:7-10](/1_thessalonians/3-7-10 "Paul's Comfort and Prayer of Thanksgiving"). The entire chapter underscores the deep pastoral bond between Paul and the fledgling church, highlighting the importance of mutual encouragement and the profound impact of spiritual reports on Paul's emotional and spiritual state.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy had established the church in Thessalonica during Paul's second missionary journey, as recounted in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica and Persecution"). Their ministry was abruptly cut short by violent opposition from Jewish leaders, forcing Paul and his companions to flee. This sudden departure left Paul deeply concerned about the new converts, who were left to face significant persecution in a pagan city without their spiritual mentors. The Roman province of Macedonia, where Thessalonica was located, was known for its strong civic pride and emperor worship, making the nascent Christian community's adherence to "another king, Jesus" (as accused in [Acts 17:7](/acts/17-7 "Accusation against Paul")) a source of social and political tension. Timothy's mission from Athens (mentioned in [1 Thessalonians 3:1](/1_thessalonians/3-1 "Paul's Decision to Send Timothy")) was therefore critical, not just for spiritual encouragement but also to ascertain the church's resilience amidst a hostile environment.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within [1 Thessalonians](/1_thessalonians "The First Letter to the Thessalonians"). Firstly, it exemplifies **Pastoral Care and Affection**, showcasing Paul's profound love and concern for his spiritual children, which transcends mere duty and reflects a genuine parental bond (compare [1 Thessalonians 2:7-8](/1_thessalonians/2-7-8 "Paul's Gentle Care for the Thessalonians")). Secondly, it highlights the **Resilience of Faith Amidst Persecution**, as the Thessalonians' steadfastness despite trials brought immense relief and joy to Paul, validating their genuine conversion and the power of the Gospel. Thirdly, the emphasis on "faith and charity" (love) underscores the **Foundational Virtues of Christian Life**, presenting them as the twin pillars upon which spiritual maturity and endurance are built. Finally, the mutual desire for reunion underscores the theme of **Christian Fellowship and Community**, emphasizing the importance of personal presence and relational bonds within the body of Christ, a longing for fellowship that Paul expresses throughout his letters, as seen in [Romans 1:11-12](/romans/1-11-12 "Paul's Desire to Impart Spiritual Gift").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **good tidings (Greek, _euangelízō_):** This verb, often translated as "to preach the gospel" or "to evangelize," literally means "to announce good news." While it typically refers to the good news of salvation through Christ, here it is employed in a broader sense to describe the joyous, positive report Timothy brought concerning the Thessalonians' spiritual state. It emphasizes the profoundly encouraging nature of the news for Paul.
* **faith (Greek, _pístis_):** Derived from a root meaning "to persuade," _pistis_ denotes conviction, trust, and reliance. In this context, it refers to the Thessalonians' unwavering trust in God and Christ, their adherence to Christian truth, and their faithfulness in living out their beliefs despite the severe persecution they faced. It signifies their steadfastness and loyalty to the Gospel.
* **charity (Greek, _agápē_):** This term represents the distinctive, unconditional, self-sacrificial love characteristic of God and commanded of believers. Unlike other Greek words for love, _agápē_ is not primarily an emotion but a volitional act of selfless devotion and benevolent concern for others. Timothy's report confirmed that this divine love was actively present and evident among the Thessalonians, both in their relationships with one another and with Paul.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"But now when Timotheus came from you unto us":** This clause marks a crucial turning point, signaling the end of Paul's anxious waiting and the arrival of the much-anticipated messenger. Timothy's return signifies the completion of his mission to Thessalonica and his rejoining Paul, likely in Corinth.
* **"and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity":** This is the core of the good news. Timothy's report centered on two fundamental virtues: the Thessalonians' unwavering "faith" (their fidelity to Christ despite persecution) and their active "charity" or _agápē_ (their selfless love for God, one another, and Paul). This confirmed their spiritual health and maturity.
* **"and that ye have good remembrance of us always":** This detail reveals the enduring affection and loyalty the Thessalonians held for Paul and his co-workers. Despite the forced separation and the passage of time, their memory of Paul was positive and constant, indicating a deep, lasting bond.
* **"desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you":** This final phrase highlights the beautiful reciprocity of affection and longing for fellowship between the apostle and the church. The Thessalonians' strong desire to see Paul mirrored his own intense yearning for them, emphasizing the relational depth of their spiritual connection.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices that enhance its emotional and theological impact. **Epistolary Structure** is evident as Paul transitions from expressing his anxiety to detailing the report that alleviates it, a common feature in his letters where personal updates frame theological instruction. The use of **Emotive Language** is clear in phrases like "good tidings" and "desiring greatly," conveying Paul's profound relief and joy. The term "good tidings" (euangelízō) itself, typically reserved for the Gospel, here functions as a **Metaphor** for the immensely positive and salvific impact of the news on Paul's spirit, elevating the significance of the Thessalonians' spiritual state. Furthermore, the final clause demonstrates **Reciprocity** and **Parallelism** ("desiring greatly to see us, as we also [to see] you"), underscoring the mutual affection and longing for fellowship between Paul and the Thessalonians, reinforcing the familial bond he often uses to describe his relationship with the churches he founded.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The good report concerning the Thessalonians' faith and charity resonates deeply with core Christian theology. It affirms that genuine conversion and spiritual growth are evidenced by these two virtues, which are inseparable and foundational to the Christian life. Faith is the means by which we apprehend God's grace and truth, while charity (agápē) is the supreme expression of that faith lived out in relationship with God and others. This verse showcases the pastoral heart of Paul, who finds his greatest joy not in personal comfort or success, but in the spiritual flourishing of those he has discipled. His relief underscores the divine value placed on the perseverance of believers in truth and love, especially in the face of adversity. This mutual longing for fellowship also points to the communal nature of the church, where believers are bound together by shared faith and love, desiring to be present with one another for mutual encouragement and edification.

* [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Faith Working Through Love")
* [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "The Enduring Virtues")
* [Philippians 1:3-5](/philippians/1-3-5 "Paul's Thanksgiving for the Philippians")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
First Thessalonians 3:6 offers a powerful reminder of the profound interconnectedness within the body of Christ. Paul's exuberant joy upon hearing of the Thessalonians' steadfast faith and abounding love serves as a model for how believers should celebrate and be encouraged by one another's spiritual growth. In a world often characterized by isolation and negative news, this verse calls us to actively seek out and share stories of faithfulness, perseverance, and love within our communities, recognizing that such reports can be a powerful source of spiritual uplift. It also challenges us to examine our own lives: are our faith and love growing, even amidst trials? Do we genuinely desire fellowship with other believers, and do we seek to encourage our spiritual leaders with evidence of our spiritual vitality? This passage underscores that the true measure of a vibrant Christian life lies not merely in intellectual assent, but in the tangible expressions of trust in God and selfless love for others.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What kind of "good tidings" about fellow believers bring you the most joy and encouragement?**
* **How do you actively contribute to the "faith and charity" within your own Christian community?**
* **In what ways does your "good remembrance" of spiritual mentors or fellow believers manifest itself today?**
* **How can we cultivate a deeper, mutual desire for genuine fellowship and presence with other believers, mirroring Paul's longing?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so concerned about the Thessalonians, leading him to send Timothy?**

Answer: Paul had a deep, parental love for the Thessalonian believers, whom he had discipled during his second missionary journey. However, his ministry there was cut short by intense persecution, forcing him to leave the new converts abruptly (as described in [Acts 17:1-10](/acts/17-1-10 "Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica and Persecution")). He was concerned that the severe trials and afflictions they faced might cause them to waver in their newfound faith. His anxiety is clearly expressed in [1 Thessalonians 3:1-5](/1_thessalonians/3-1-5 "Paul's Anxiety and Sending of Timothy"), where he states he "could no longer forbear" and sent Timothy to "establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith." The good report brought by Timothy in [1 Thessalonians 3:6](/1_thessalonians/3-6 "Timothy's Good Report") directly addresses and alleviates these profound pastoral anxieties.

**What is the significance of "faith and charity" in this verse?**

Answer: "Faith" (Greek: _pistis_) and "charity" (Greek: _agápē_, often translated as "love") are presented here as the two foundational virtues of Christian life, serving as evidence of the Thessalonians' genuine spiritual health and maturity. Their "faith" signifies their unwavering trust and conviction in God and Christ, even amidst severe persecution, demonstrating their steadfastness. Their "charity" or _agápē_ refers to their distinctive, self-sacrificial, and unconditional love for God, for one another, and for Paul. These two virtues are consistently linked throughout Paul's epistles as essential marks of true discipleship and spiritual growth (e.g., [Galatians 5:6](/galatians/5-6 "Faith Working Through Love") and [1 Corinthians 13:13](/1_corinthians/13-13 "The Greatest of These is Love")). Timothy's report confirmed that the Thessalonians were not only holding firm to their beliefs but also actively living out the love that defines Christ's followers.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
First Thessalonians 3:6, while detailing a personal report, profoundly reflects the Christ-centered nature of the Christian life. The "faith" of the Thessalonians is ultimately faith *in Christ*, the one who is "the author and finisher of our faith" ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith")). Their steadfastness amidst persecution echoes Christ's own endurance of suffering for the joy set before Him ([Hebrews 12:2](/hebrews/12-2 "Jesus, the Author and Finisher of Faith")). Furthermore, their "charity" (agápē) is a direct outflow of the love of God poured into their hearts through the Holy Spirit ([Romans 5:5](/romans/5-5 "God's Love Poured Out")). This divine love is supremely demonstrated in Christ's sacrificial death on the cross ([John 15:13](/john/15-13 "Greater Love Has No One Than This")), and believers are called to love one another as He has loved them ([John 13:34](/john/13-34 "A New Commandment")). Paul's joy in their spiritual flourishing mirrors the joy of Christ over His redeemed, and the mutual longing for fellowship foreshadows the ultimate, unbroken fellowship believers will share with Christ and one another in His eternal kingdom ([Revelation 21:3-4](/revelation/21-3-4 "God Dwelling with His People")). Thus, the Thessalonians' faith and love are not merely human achievements but fruits of Christ's work in them, bringing glory to God and comfort to His servants, pointing to the transformative power of the Gospel centered on Jesus Christ.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Corinthians 11:2

Now I praise you, brethren, that ye remember me in all things, and keep the ordinances, as I delivered [them] to you.

Isaiah 52:7

¶ How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him that bringeth good tidings, that publisheth peace; that bringeth good tidings of good, that publisheth salvation; that saith unto Zion, Thy God reigneth!

Acts 18:5

And when Silas and Timotheus were come from Macedonia, Paul was pressed in the spirit, and testified to the Jews [that] Jesus [was] Christ.

Proverbs 25:25

¶ [As] cold waters to a thirsty soul, so [is] good news from a far country.

1 Thessalonians 1:3

Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labour of love, and patience of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

2 Corinthians 7:5

¶ For, when we were come into Macedonia, our flesh had no rest, but we were troubled on every side; without [were] fightings, within [were] fears.

2 Corinthians 7:7

And not by his coming only, but by the consolation wherewith he was comforted in you, when he told us your earnest desire, your mourning, your fervent mind toward me; so that I rejoiced the more.