Colossians 3
In 1 Thessalonians 3, the apostle Paul includes his deep love and concern for the believers in the church at Thessalonica, as well as his joy in their faith and his ongoing intercessory prayers. Overall, this chapter is divided into concern about separation (verses 1-5), joy over good news (verses 6-8), the content of thanks and prayer (verses 9-13)’s structure.
1verseIf then you were raised together with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated on the right hand of God.
2verseSet your mind on the things that are above, not on the things that are on the earth.
3verseFor you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.
4verseWhen Christ, our life, is revealed, then you will also be revealed with him in glory.
5versePut to death therefore your members which are on the earth: sexual immorality, uncleanness, depraved passion, evil desire, and covetousness, which is idolatry.
6verseFor these things’ sake the wrath of God comes on the children of disobedience.
7verseYou also once walked in those, when you lived in them,
8versebut now you must put them all away: anger, wrath, malice, slander, and shameful speaking out of your mouth.
9verseDon’t lie to one another, seeing that you have put off the old man with his doings,
10verseand have put on the new man, who is being renewed in knowledge after the image of his Creator,
11versewhere there can’t be Greek and Jew, circumcision and uncircumcision, barbarian, Scythian, bondservant, or free person; but Christ is all, and in all.
12versePut on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance;
13versebearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do.
14verseAbove all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection.
15verseAnd let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body, and be thankful.
16verseLet the word of Christ dwell in you richly; in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another with psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your heart to the Lord.
17verseWhatever you do, in word or in deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.
18verseWives, be in subjection to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19verseHusbands, love your wives, and don’t be bitter against them.
20verseChildren, obey your parents in all things, for this pleases the Lord.
21verseFathers, don’t provoke your children, so that they won’t be discouraged.
22verseServants, obey in all things those who are your masters according to the flesh, not just when they are looking, as men pleasers, but in singleness of heart, fearing God.
23verseAnd whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men,
24verseknowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.
25verseBut he who does wrong will receive again for the wrong that he has done, and there is no partiality.
Verses 1-5: Concern for the Church and Timothy’s Sending
Paul confesses that it was very difficult for him to be separated from the people of Thessalonica, even for a short time. He worries whether their faith was established properly amid persecution and confusion, and he decides to send Timothy to them. The point is that the apostle’s love and concern for caring for them are made concrete—not only in his mind but also in his heart.
Verses 6-8: Timothy’s Report and Paul’s Joy
When Timothy returns and reports that the faith and love of the believers in Thessalonica are being maintained well, Paul gains great comfort and joy. Even in a difficult situation, Paul receives new strength through the steadfast faith of the saints and the good news. Here, it is emphasized that Paul has a relationship with the saints in which they long for one another and pray
Verses 9-13: Thanksgiving and Intercessory Prayer
Paul gives deep thanks to God and prays with earnest desire for the faith of the believers to become even more abundant. He also intercedes so that the holiness of the believers in Thessalonica will be completed, preparing them well for the return of the Lord Jesus. Paul’s prayer is an example of sincere intercession for the faith community, urging maturity in love and a holy way of life.
Points for Reflection
- Let us think about the fact that even in difficult circumstances, love and prayer for one another strengthen the faith community even more firmly.
- We come to realize that the deep concern between leaders and believers—and among believers themselves—is a solid foundation for the church.
- We can reflect on the truth that prayer is not simply an obligation, but an expression of deep love.
Applying to Me
- Like Paul’s love and concern for the believers, I reflect on whether I truly care for the people around me.
- I can set as my goal a life in which I pray with all my heart for each other’s faith.
- I think about whether my faith is being preserved even amid confusion and hardship, and whether my news is becoming strength for others.
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