Paul explains he sent Timothy from Athens to establish and encourage them concerning their faith lest they be shaken by afflictions, which are their appointed lot as he had forewarned them. Timothy's return with good news of their faith and love brought great comfort in Paul's distress and affliction, prompting intense thanksgiving and prayer that he might see them and supply what is lacking in their faith, with a benediction that the Lord would cause them to abound in love and establish their hearts unblameable in holiness at Christ's coming.
Read 1 Thessalonians Chapter 3 Summary
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Athens
View on MapAthens was the intellectual capital of the ancient world, famous for its philosophers and the Areopagus. Paul visited Athens during his second missionary journey and delivered his famous sermon on Mars Hill, addressing the Athenians' altar to the "unknown god" and proclaiming the true God who raised Jesus from the dead.
Position in Book
ThanksgivingChapters 1
Paul's MinistryChapters 2-3
Recollection of founding visit, concern for them.
Holy LivingChapters 4:1-12
Christ's ReturnChapters 4:13-5:28
Bible Bites
Paul's first letter
1 Thessalonians is likely Paul's earliest surviving letter, written around AD 50-51, just months after founding the church there. Every chapter ends with a reference to Christ's return, showing it was a central concern for this young congregation.
1 Thessalonians