A little while ago, I produced a verse by verse series in Philippians. I really enjoyed that exercise and have been wondering if I should take on another book. Well it turns out that 1 Thessalonians is the victim of my machinations, and hopefully, the thoughts produced by this fantastic book will edify and encourage the reader.

As with Philippians I am going to limit each post to one verse, and hopefully produce a short, succinct read for my friends who follow.

1 Thessalonians 3:6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you–

A simple verse speaking of Paul receiving Timothy from the Thessalonian body of believers.

If you remember, Timothy was originally on his way to minister to Paul as he was working as a tent maker, while preaching and teaching in Corinth. Paul simply couldn’t resist giving up the assistance f Timothy, in the midst of a large church expansion in Corinth, in order to find out about the folks in Thessalonica. It seems the massive success of the Corinthian ministry did not weigh on Paul’s heart as much as those he had left behind in Thessalonica.

And what great news Timothy brought. It was literally the gospel, for when Paul describes the good news that Timothy brought, he used the very same word that he used in relation to the death, burial and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and of the coming kingdom of God.

And in this sole location, Paul uses the very same word – εὐαγγελίζω euangelízō, the announcement of good news – in relation to the Thessalonians.

Should we make much of this abberation of the focus of this term? Or might the relationship between a Christian leader and those whom he cares for be on the same footing as the sacrificial death and resurrection of the Lord?

It is a curious use of the term, and granted, the depth of the love is found in the object of the good news, yet to see Paul pull that word to describe the news of the Thessalonians relationship with their apostle speaks volumes for me.

Story time

I was recently chatting with a fine Christian lady about many things and eventually discussing the concept of why we pay Christians for ministry in our lives. It was a time of curiosity on my part, and as I delved into her thinking, she mentioned that her pastor would answer the phone at 2 am if she needed help with something, would pray with her as needed, and would provide counselling when required.

I admitted I understood the concept of paid service, but still I had a comment for her, for I know this ladies mother-in-law. Her mother-in-law is a fine, sacrificial Christian, who would gladly wake at 2 am to help in any way, prays for this lady (without request), and has provided biblical counsel, though spurned at times. Without pay, without salary, without guilt or compulsion, this mother-in-law loves her, and wishes God’s best for her.

Where are those who will minister to others, instead of referring others to the hired clergy to “do their job”? Are you of the disposition that you would give up comfort for the sake of someone else? Would you let an unexpected interruption disturb your plans for a weekend? This is commonly considered Body Life, where all believers have the privilege of understanding God’s will, and are expected to share not only the written will of God, but their life experiences with others. Life experiences of errors and encouragement, not just facts but real life truths that reach not only the mind but the hearts of others.

Paul was an apostle who worked with his hands, staying up late, getting up early and in the midst of the labor, spent time serving others by teaching and leading others into the life of Christ, a life of service for others and a life of sacrifice for God.

Might we be missing out by depending on some professional clergy to do their job, thinking we have no responsibility? In this thinking, are we actually convincing ourselves we couldn’t minister to others, and therefore not even try?

I fear we all are too comfortable with the current church situation. May we as individuals seek to mimic the relationship of the apostle and his saints in Thessalonica.

A relationship that gives and gives for the other. I think the term is “love one another”, and I’m pretty sure God is happy when we love one another.

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Thanks again for coming to visit. I hope you found something of interest in this post and would appreciate a comment, to begin a discussion.