1 Thessalonians 3 KJV
1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
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:
3 That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
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.
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.
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 (New Testament)
7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
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;
10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
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 Thess.3 (New Testament)
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.
| Greek Word + Meaning | Verse + Snippet | Scholarly Notes |
|---|---|---|
| στήκω — “stand firm” | Verse 8 — “…ye stand fast in the Lord.” | Στήκω denotes unwavering stability. Paul rejoices in their steadfastness under trial. The word highlights perseverance. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| καταρτίζω — “to equip, make complete” | Verse 10 — “…perfect that which is lacking…” | Καταρτίζω suggests strengthening toward maturity. Paul aims to complete their spiritual formation. The term expresses pastoral craftsmanship. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| θλῖψις — “pressure, tribulation” | Verse 3 — “…we are appointed thereunto.” | Θλῖψις frames suffering as purposeful. Paul prepares them for normative affliction. The word deepens discipleship realism. — Philip Schaff, Commentary (1882) |
| πείρασμος — “trial, testing” | Verse 5 — “…lest by some means the tempter have tempted you.” | Πείρασμος reveals spiritual vulnerability. Paul fears destabilizing influence. The term links temptation with endurance. — Franz Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| ἀναγγέλλω — “to report, announce” | Verse 6 — “…Timotheus came… and brought us good tidings…” | Ἀναγγέλλω conveys joyful proclamation. Timothy’s report refreshes Paul’s spirit. The term marks relational encouragement. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
| ἐπιποθέω — “long for deeply” | Verse 6 — “…desiring greatly to see us…” | Ἐπιποθέω describes affectionate yearning. Fellowship brings mutual strength. The term underscores apostolic intimacy. — Thayer, Lexicon (1889) |
| παρακαλέω — “comfort, exhort” | Verse 7 — “…we were comforted over you…” | Παρακαλέω blends encouragement and strengthening. Paul receives comfort through their faith. The term affirms mutual edification. — Richard Trench, Synonyms (1896) |
| περισσεύω — “abound, overflow” | Verse 12 — “…make you to increase and abound in love…” | Περισσεύω signals abundant flourishing. Love expands beyond minimal obligation. The term reflects divine generosity. — Philip Schaff, Church History (1890) |
| βεβαιόω — “make firm, establish” | Verse 13 — “…to the end he may stablish your hearts…” | Βεβαιόω emphasizes inward strengthening. God roots believers in holiness. The term prepares them for Christ’s appearing. — Franz Delitzsch, Commentary (1884) |
| ἁγιωσύνη — “holiness” | Verse 13 — “…unblameable in holiness…” | Ἁγιωσύνη conveys consecrated character. Paul envisions moral integrity at the Lord’s return. The term stresses sanctifying transformation. — James Hastings, Dictionary of the Bible (1898) |
Chapter 3
Verse: "May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else, just as ours does for you" (1 Thessalonians 3:12)
Lesson: Paul prayed that the Thessalonian believers' love would increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. This is a reminder that love is the foundation of our faith and that we are called to love one another as Christ has loved us.
What's Next? Read Our Bible Verses About Life With Purpose and Encouragement
Conclusion: Let us pray that our love for one another would increase and overflow, just as Paul prayed for the Thessalonian believers. May we love others as Christ has loved us and seek to extend His love to everyone we meet.
Prayer Points: Heavenly Father, help us to love one another as Christ has loved us, and may our love increase and overflow for each other and for everyone else. Amen.
What's Next? See our Inspirational Motivational Bible Quotes Today
