1 Thessalonians 3:6

¶ 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:

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}:

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.

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.

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;

1 Thessalonians 3:6 marks a turning point in Paul’s emotional state concerning the Thessalonian believers. Having been separated from them and deeply concerned about their spiritual welfare, Paul sent his trusted companion, Timothy, to check on them and strengthen their faith.

Context

The apostle Paul, along with Silvanus and Timotheus, had established the church in Thessalonica during his second missionary journey. However, their ministry was cut short by persecution, forcing them to leave the new converts (see Acts 17:1-10). Paul's deep pastoral concern for their steadfastness in the face of trials led him to send Timothy from Athens to encourage them and bring back news (as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5). This verse, 1 Thessalonians 3:6, is the joyful report of Timothy's return and the positive news he delivered, which brought immense relief and encouragement to Paul.

Key Themes

  • Joy in Good Reports: Paul's profound relief and joy upon hearing the positive news about the Thessalonians' spiritual health underscores the deep bond between pastor and congregation. This highlights the encouragement believers receive from hearing of others' faithfulness.
  • Enduring Faith and Love: Timothy's report centered on their "faith and charity" (love). These two virtues are foundational to Christian life and are often linked in Paul’s epistles. Their perseverance in faith amidst persecution and their active love for one another and for Paul demonstrated genuine spiritual maturity.
  • Mutual Affection and Desire for Fellowship: The verse notes that the Thessalonians had a "good remembrance" of Paul and desired to see him, mirroring Paul's own longing. This speaks to the reciprocal nature of healthy spiritual relationships and the importance of fellowship in the early church.

Linguistic Insights

  • "Good tidings" (Greek: euangelizo): While often translated as "to preach the gospel" or "bring good news" of salvation, here it refers specifically to the positive report concerning the Thessalonians' spiritual condition. It emphasizes the joyous nature of the news Timothy brought.
  • "Faith" (Greek: pistis): Refers to their trust and conviction in God and Christ, remaining firm despite opposition. This was crucial for new converts in a hostile environment.
  • "Charity" (Greek: agape): This is the distinctive, unconditional, self-sacrificial love that characterizes Christian relationships. Timothy’s report confirmed that this divine love was evident among them, both towards each other and towards Paul. This quality is central to Christian discipleship, as highlighted in verses like John 13:35.

Related Scriptures

The importance of faith and love as core Christian virtues is echoed throughout the New Testament. For instance, Galatians 5:6 states that in Christ Jesus, "neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love." Paul also frequently rejoiced over the spiritual progress of churches, as seen in his letter to the Philippians (Philippians 1:4).

Practical Application

This verse offers several timeless applications for believers today:

  1. Encouragement in Community: The joy Paul experienced from Timothy's report reminds us of the power of positive spiritual news within the Christian community. Hearing about the faithfulness and love of fellow believers can greatly encourage and strengthen our own walk.
  2. Focus on Core Virtues: The emphasis on "faith and charity" highlights what truly matters in the Christian life. Our spiritual growth should be measured not just by knowledge, but by our unwavering trust in God and our active, selfless love for others.
  3. Value of Pastoral Care: Paul's concern and willingness to send Timothy, and his subsequent joy, illustrate the vital role of spiritual leaders in nurturing and celebrating the growth of their flock. It also shows the importance of good communication between church members and leaders.
  4. Longing for Fellowship: The mutual desire for physical presence underscores the importance of gathering together for worship, encouragement, and mutual support, fulfilling the command not to forsake the assembling of ourselves together.
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.

  • 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.

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