TITLE: A Parent's Love
TEXT: 1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

INTRODUCTION
Paul had left a nucleus of believers in Thessalonica, but this small Church was facing hostility. As he arrived in Berea, Paul was still concerned for Jason and the other believers in Thessalonica. If he entertained any idea of the hostility ebbing it was destroyed when "the Jews from Thessalonica…came and stirred up the crowds" in Berea. (See Acts 17:13.) Leaving Berea, Paul made his way to Athens, where he sent for Silas and Timothy. It was in Athens that Paul introduced the Unknown God to the Athenians (Acts 17:22-31). Luke tells us, "some men joined him and believed" (Acts 17:34). In spite of all the activity and success, Paul's mind and heart were still on the Church at Thessalonica.

THE APOSTLE'S CARE
Paul's letter to the Thessalonians makes it clear that Paul genuinely cared for the believers at Thessalonica. In 2:8, Paul says, "So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us." In 2:11, he states that he related to them "as a father does [to] his own children." Later, in 2:17, he wrote, "But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire." In this same section, Paul went on to write, "For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? For you are our glory and joy" (2:19-20).

THE APOSTLE'S CONCERN
Apparently Paul wasn't all knowing, because he did not know the state of the Church in Thessalonica. When his concern was more than he could bear he sent Timothy to see how the believers in Thessalonica were faring and to establish and encourage them concerning their faith. (See 3:1-2.) He was concerned that his own adversity would serve to weaken their faith and that satan would tempt them to loosen their grip on the truth they had believed. It was at this point that Timothy was dispatched, for it was better to be alone in Athens than not know the state of the believers in Thessalonica.

THE APOSTLE'S CONSOLATION
When Timothy met Paul in Corinth, he told Paul that the Church in Thessalonica was doing fine. Their faith and love were growing and they held their apostle in fond remembrance. This was so encouraging to Paul that he was able to face his affliction and distress with renewed strength. The burden was lifted and his joy was greater than ever. He was prayerfully determined to see them again that he might be used to bring enlargement to their faith.

THE APOSTLE'S PRAYER
All too often we pray for those in trouble, but fail to pray for those who are doing well. Paul not only prayed that God would direct his way to them, but he prayed for their spiritual growth. He prays that their love will abound, and that they will be established in holiness at the coming the Lord.

(c) 1999 by Louis Bartet, all rights reserved.

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