therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith. Truth to Learn Paul was concerned about how his own persecution was affecting the faith of others. Behind the Words “Therefore” is from the Greek words dia touto. The word dia denotes the channel...
Daily Verse
1 Thessalonians 3:6 – Fond Memories
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you— Truth to Learn Remember those who have helped you in...
1 Thessalonians 3:5 – Faith Strengthening Trials
For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. Truth to Learn Trials and temptations can be good for us. Behind the Words “No longer” is translated...
1 Thessalonians 3:4 – Faithfully Suffering Servants
For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. Truth to Learn Effective ministers of God will suffer opposition and trouble. Behind the Words The words “we told … before” are translated from the verb...
1 Thessalonians 3:3 – Suffering From God
that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. Truth to Learn Some of our suffering is because God has determined it. Behind the Words “No one” is translated from mēdeis. This word is made up of mē, which is...
1 Thessalonians 3:2 – Growth and Service
and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, Truth to Learn Christians are called both to grow in faith and to serve God through faith. Behind the Words The verb “sent”...
1 Thessalonians 3:1 – Family Ties
Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, Truth to Learn Christians are all part of the same loving family. Behind the Words The words “we could no longer endure it” are translated from the Greek verb stegō. This word...
1 Thessalonians 2:20 – A Joyful Coming
For you are our glory and joy. Truth to Learn There will be rejoicing for Christians when Christ returns. Behind the Words The word “glory” is translated from the Greek word doxa. This word primarily means “thought” or “opinion,” especially a favorable opinion. In a secondary sense it means “reputation,...
1 Thessalonians 2:19 – Present Suffering or Future Glory?
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming? Truth to Learn Keep your focus on eternity when you suffer as a Christian. Behind the Words Elpis is the Greek word translated...
1 Thessalonians 2:18 – Opposition to Ministries
Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us. Truth to Learn Christians’ plans may be hindered by God – or by Satan. Behind the Words “We wanted” is translated from a form of the verb thelō, meaning “to wish” or “to will.” However,...
1 Thessalonians 2:17 – Orphaned Christians
But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. Truth to Learn Persecution of Christians occurs world-wide today. Behind the Words The words “having been taken away” are translated from the...
1 Thessalonians 2:16 – Proclaim It Fearlessly
forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost. Truth to Learn Christians are to share the Gospel, in spite of persecution. Behind the Words “Forbidding” is translated from...
1 Thessalonians 2:15 – Suffering Is Good?
who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men, Truth to Learn Persecution and suffering can make us stronger Christians. Behind the Words The word translated “killed” is from the Greek verb apokteinō....
1 Thessalonians 2:14 – Family Suffering
For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, Truth to Learn Many Christians suffer at the hands of friends and relatives. Behind the...
1 Thessalonians 2:13 – God’s Effective Work
For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe. Truth...
1 Thessalonians 2:12 – Walking Worthy
that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. Truth to Learn Encouragement and instruction help us to become more godly. Behind the Words The word “that” is translated from a form of idiom that Paul uses frequently. It consists of eis to...
1 Thessalonians 2:11 – Father Paul
as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, Truth to Learn We all need some comfort, encouragement, and challenge. Behind the Words “You know” is translated from the verb eidō, which means “to see with perception.” As...
1 Thessalonians 2:10 – Blameless Ministers
You are witnesses, and God also, how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; Truth to Learn Christians should be blameless in whatever ministry they are engaged in. Behind the Words The word “witnesses” is translated from martus, from which we get our English word...
1 Thessalonians 2:9 – Hard Labor
For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. Truth to Learn Serving God sometimes requires hard work. Behind the Words “Labor” is translated from the Greek...
1 Thessalonians 2:8 – Spiritual Parenting
So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. Truth to Learn Mature Christians help younger Christians grow. Behind the Words “So” is from the Greek word houtōs,...
1 Thessalonians 2:7 – Caring Like Mothers
But we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. Truth to Learn Christian service should demonstrate love and care for others. Behind the Words “Gentle” is translated from the Greek word nēpios, which is made up or nē, meaning “not” and epos, which refers to...
1 Thessalonians 2:6 – It’s Not About Us
Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. Truth to Learn Paul didn’t make personal demands, even when he could have. Behind the Words The words “did we seek” are from the Greek verb dzēteō,...
1 Thessalonians 2:5 – No Deceptive Practices
For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—God is witness. Truth to Learn Christians don’t need to be deceptive to deliver the truth. Behind the Words The words “at any time” are from pote, which means “at some time” or...
1 Thessaloninas 2:4 – Be a God Pleaser
But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tests our hearts. Truth to Learn Proclaim the simple truth and seek God’s approval alone. Behind the Words “Approved” is translated from the Greek word...
1 Thessalonians 2:3 – Minister Righteously
For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit. Truth to Learn All ministries should be performed honestly and for God. Behind the Words “Exhortation” is translated from paraklēsis, which is derived from parakaleō, meaning “to call near.” It is a picture of someone...
1 Thessalonians 2:2 – God-Given Courage
But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. Truth to Learn Serving God faithfully means you will encounter opposition. Behind the Words The words “after...
1 Thessalonians 2:1 – Opposition Will Come
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. Truth to Learn An effective Christian ministry will encounter opposition. Behind the Words The word “entry” is from the Greek noun eisodon, which we saw in verse nine of chapter one. It is made up of...
1 Thessalonians 1:10 – He’s Coming!
and to wait for His Son from heaven, whom He raised from the dead, even Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come. Truth to Learn Jesus Christ is coming back very soon. Behind the Words “Wait” is translated from the Greek verb anamenō, which is made up of...
1 Thessalonians 1:9 – Turn From Idols
For they themselves declare concerning us what manner of entry we had to you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God, Truth to Learn We need to turn from idols and give all our devotion to God. Behind the Words “Declare” is...
1 Thessalonians 1:8 – Demonstrating Our Faith
For from you the word of the Lord has sounded forth, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place. Your faith toward God has gone out, so that we do not need to say anything. Truth to Learn Demonstrating our faith in everyday words and actions is...
1 Thessalonians 1:7 – Christian Models
so that you became examples to all in Macedonia and Achaia who believe. Truth to Learn Every Christian should be an example of Christ Himself. Behind the Words “So that” is translated from the Greek word hōste, which is made up of hōs, meaning “as” and te, which is a...