For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
Read it in contextGood news and renewed prayer
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 3:6 (1 Thessalonians 3:6 to 1 Thessalonians 3:13).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
Timothy's report brings comfort, and Paul's prayer seeks further growth in love and holiness before the Lord's coming.
3:6But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
3:7Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
3:8For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.
3:9For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;
3:10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
3:11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
3:12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:
3:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Thessalonians 1:1–3:13): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about its reception of the gospel, afflictions, and Timothy's report. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, including converts who had turned from idols. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? Good news and renewed prayer. Read 1 Thessalonians 3:6 through 1 Thessalonians 3:13 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? Timothy's report brings comfort, and Paul's prayer seeks further growth in love and holiness before the Lord's coming. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter recalls the founding ministry and Timothy's report and addresses the church's present questions. It does not provide a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; Athens and Macedonia appear in the account of separation and ministry. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in Good news and renewed prayer (1 Thessalonians 3:6 to 1 Thessalonians 3:13).
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 3:6. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The readers have turned to serve the living and true God and await His Son. The coming of the Lord grounds comfort concerning believers who have died and exhortations to holy living. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Encourage one another, work responsibly, and pursue holiness. Use the coming of the Lord for the comfort and watchfulness the letter calls for rather than speculative date-setting. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Thessalonians 3
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
Connection to the wholeConcern over the readers' trials leads to Timothy's visit to establish and encourage them rather than leaving their faith unattended.
Connection to the wholeTimothy's report brings comfort, and Paul's prayer seeks further growth in love and holiness before the Lord's coming.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Thessalonians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
Connection to the wholeThe readers' response to the gospel and their witness to others introduce the letter's recurring themes of service, endurance, and expectation.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the mission and separation, explains Timothy's visit, and prays for the church's growth and establishment in holiness.