Chapter 3
V1-2 cf Acts 17:15 Paul was clearly despised more than Timothy and Silas, who returned to Thessalonica and Macedonia respectively Acts 18:5. He was infamous in all regions that he preached, being known as the establisher of the gospel of Yeshua amongst the Gentiles cf Acts 9:15; 22:21. It was for his safety that he had to flee to Athens, as his life was in grave danger from the twofold source of antagonism, namely the unbelieving Jews and the idolatrous Gentiles. Timothy being half Greek, and of less notoriety than Paul, would have been more inconspicuous amongst their detractors.
V3-4 ‘saino’ translated ‘should be moved’ is better rendered ‘should be troubled’. ‘Thlipsis’ translated ‘afflictions’ is the same word used in the book of Revelation for the tribulations that the saints are to suffer Rev 7:14. This pressure is demonic in nature, and is borne upon the saints as Satan’s kingdom endeavours to wear them out. All true saints are appointed to this pressure, as they become direct targets of the enemy who loathes any threat to his kingdom, especially concerning losing souls for the kingdom of Elohim. Timothy was assigned to the neophyte converts as a source of encouragement, and reinforcement of the true nature of the gospel of Messiah concerning the cost that one must pay, if they are to be found worthy cf Matt 5:11-12;16:24-26.
V5 Paul further explains why he sent Timothy to the ecclesia. He feared that, since they were new converts, like the seed sown on stony ground, the tempter/Satan, may have succeeded in derailing their faith through use of trials and tribulation, a weapon which tends to separate the weak from the strong cf Matt 13:5,20,21. Paul could no longer endure the thought of such an eventuality, and felt compelled to send Timothy to investigate lest their efforts and subsequent persecution for the winning of souls had been in vain.
V6-7 To Paul’s delight, Timothy had been the bearer of good news on his return, giving confirmation that the saints in Thessalonica had held fast to the faith and their love had neither waxed nor waned. They were living examples of the seed sown on good ground Matt 13:8,23.
V8-9 The faith, love, and endurance in the midst of abject persecution of the Thessalonian ecclesia gave Paul a purpose to live, and even to feel great joy, in the wake of the despondency that he undoubtedly would have experienced from the continuous persecution that he sustained at the hands of the enemy, throughout his ministry cf 2 Cor 11:23-28. There is almost no greater rejoicing in heaven than when a soul is won for the kingdom of Elohim, and this elation is what Paul related to cf Lk 15:7,10.
V10-11 This is truly the calling of a true preacher or pastor. Paul prayed incessantly for Elohim the Father, and Master Yeshua the Son, to give him another opportunity to preach even greater truths for the sake of edifying the ecclesia that he had fed with milk as babes in Messiah. All new converts have varying degrees of lack of faith, which needs to be filled by progressive enlightenment through teaching (at the very least every Sabbath) and experience cf Acts 15:19-21. It is not usually enough to leave the flock in a state of puerility, as they are most vulnerable of backsliding into the kingdom of Satan, once his demonic hordes use all manner of subterfuge to woo them back to sin. Trials and tribulations had been the assignment used in this case to attempt achieving this goal.
V12 Yehovah is love and it is only through His Holy Spirit that one may exhibit and grow in love cf 1 Jn 4:7-13. Since eternal life is the goal of seeking the kingdom of Heaven, it goes without saying that this is found through love. Lack of love leads to death, hence why the commandments all hang on love of Elohim and of one’s neighbour. In essence Torah is life, and to reject Torah is equivalent to rejecting eternal life cf 1 Jn 3:10-16, Pro 6:23; Deut 30:15-16.
V13 This epistle’s theme largely stresses upon Christians remaining pure, holy and blameless in order to be found worthy at Yeshua’s return, lest we stumble and lose salvation, which is eternal life. All these aforementioned qualities are found in upholding Torah, wherein is life. Yeshua died for us as a propitiation for our sins, in order to reconcile with Elohim, the Father. It is impossible for sin to be in the presence of the Father, as He is an all-consuming fire. Hence it is incumbent upon us to obey His Torah, if we are to be presented as blameless to the Father cf Col 1:21-22; Eph 5:27.