“Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; 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: That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. 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 3:1-4).
Introduction
The Christians in Thessalonica were obviously distraught when they learned that Paul was suffering intense persecution for preaching the gospel. Instead of wallowing in self-pity, he sought to comfort them. He was sad about them being sad for him. This reveals how much love the apostle had for this church. Paul and his team desperately wanted to communicate with the believers and to encourage them to continue to grow in faith. “As cold waters to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country” (Proverbs 25:25).
Encouragement
Paul’s desire was to see the believers growing stronger in the faith despite any hardship he or they had to suffer. The word “establish” [Greek: sterizo] means to “set fast” and “strengthened”, as in reinforcing a building against a devastating storm. We must never forget that all of God’s people need the support of likeminded believers. “For I long to see you, that I may impart unto you some spiritual gift, to the end ye may be established” (Romans 1:11).
When Paul says that he wants to comfort them, he is not speaking in sentimental terms. Our response to someone’s misfortune or illness is to send a ‘Thinking of you’ or ‘Get well soon’ card. The word used here means to ‘encourage’ [Greek: parakaleo] from where we derive the word ‘Paraclete’ which is used as a name for the Holy Spirit. It literally means someone who is at our side to console and intercede for us, that is, an advocate. “And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever … But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you” (John 14:16, 26).
No Christian can survive without the power and support of the Holy Spirit and the encouragement He and our fellow believers can bring. No man is an island in the church, for we are not meant to stand or work alone. We have to accept that we are weak without Christ and His church. “I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing” (John 15:5) … “That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another” (1 Corinthians 12:25).
Suffering
Paul says that he was “appointed” to suffer for the cause of Christ. The modern wealth and health preachers do not have a clue what Paul is talking about here. Is he speaking death and negativity into his life or simply recognising this is the way it is going to be for those who stand up and preach the truth? “But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution” (2 Timothy 3:10-12) … “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 14:22).
Maybe Paul was thinking that the Thessalonian believers would compromise their faith in fear of the same thing happening to them. It is also possible that Paul’s opponents were saying that his suffering was proof that he was not sent by God, thus they should not follow his teaching. "That no man should, amidst his calamities, be allured by the flattering hope of a more pleasant life to abandon his duty” (George F. Tittmann). He reveals to them that tough times must come; therefore there is no need to be shaken by bad news. He is basically stating that God is in control of the situation, so there is nothing to worry about.
Conclusion
There will always be those who think that suffering and affliction are alien to the Christian faith, but those who never face this are the exception rather than the rule. Going through trials and tribulation can build character, “My brethren, count it all joy when ye fall into divers temptations; Knowing this, that the trying of your faith worketh patience. But let patience have her perfect work, that ye may be perfect and entire, wanting nothing” (James 1:2-4). Suffering may be a sign of true faith rather than personal weakness. Our Christian life is not measured by how much or little we suffer, but by obedience to the call of God on our lives.
© 21/2/2008