1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

Summary: We’ve been noting in previous weeks how Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica was cut short because of the threat of violence against him. And in this Sunday’s text, we get a glimpse of the deep worry Paul felt for these new believers and his pain in being unable to see them again. More than anything else, Paul’s deepest concern for them was about their faith–were they yet still trusting in Jesus Christ? These verses also give us a glimpse of the depth of Paul’s elation when Timothy returned to him with a report that the faith of these new believers remained strong. Both Paul’s agony and his elation are a reminder to us of the unparalleled preciousness of faith in Jesus Christ, and are an encouragement to us to care well for our own and each other’s faith and to celebrate this wondrous gift of grace.