1 Thessalonians 3
Lutheran reading notes
In 1 Thessalonians chapter 3, the message of the gospel develops the theme of encouragement and hope in Christ’s return. Lutheran interpretation frequently emphasizes the proclamation of Christ, the distinction between law and gospel, and the promise of justification through faith.
1
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
1 Thessalonians 3:1 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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:
1 Thessalonians 3:2 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. {there unto: or, to sufferings, or, to persecution}
1 Thessalonians 3:3 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
4
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
1 Thessalonians 3:4 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
5
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
1 Thessalonians 3:5 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
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:
1 Thessalonians 3:6 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
7
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
1 Thessalonians 3:7 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
8
For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
1 Thessalonians 3:8 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
9
For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
1 Thessalonians 3:9 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
10
Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
1 Thessalonians 3:10 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
11
Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you. {direct: or, guide}
1 Thessalonians 3:11 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
12
And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all {men}, even as we {do} toward you:
1 Thessalonians 3:12 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.
13
To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints. {saints: or, holy ones, or, angels}
1 Thessalonians 3:13 highlights apostolic teaching for the church with emphasis on law, gospel, grace, and faith.