1 Thessalonians 3 Study Notes

3:6-9 While v. 8 is hyperbole, it expresses strongly the nature of Paul’s emotional connection to his converts. His very life depends on their perseverance in the faith.

3:10-13 Paul was praying to see the Thessalonian believers in person in order to complete what was lacking in their faith. Since the missionaries had to leave so suddenly (2:17-18), they did not complete their instruction of the Thessalonians in their new faith. Thus some elements and teaching were lacking—especially concerning Jesus’s resurrection and the second coming (4:13-18). Since Paul was not able to personally return, he used this letter to address those mat-ters (4:1-5:22). The prayer’s request that the church overflow with love for one another and be blameless in holiness is addressed in detail in the following two paragraphs (4:1-8,9-12).