3:1 Athens A city in the Roman province of Achaia (modern-day Greece). Paul visited Athens during his second missionary journey (Acts 17:10–34).

3:2 Timothy Since Paul encountered trouble in Thessalonica (see Acts 17:5–10), he sent Timothy on his behalf to help the new believers. See note on 1 Thess 1:1–10.

strengthen The Greek word used here, stērizō, means to be resolved in belief or attitude. Paul sent Timothy to help the Thessalonians remain committed to the faith in the midst of their sufferings.

3:3 we are appointed Paul reminds the new believers that persecution is not a sign of God’s wrath; rather, faith and suffering are both part of the Christian life (Phil 1:29). Since the Messiah, prophets, and apostles all suffered persecution (1 Thess 2:15), the Thessalonians should not be discouraged by their experience.

3:5 tempter Refers to Satan (compare Matt 4:3; 1 Cor 7:5). Paul likely considered the Thessalonians to be especially vulnerable to temptation because they had converted to faith in Christ only recently. The nt frequently describes Satan’s attempts to take advantage of people who are either young in the faith or in a weakened state (e.g., 1 Cor 7:5; 1 Tim 3:6–7).

labor should be in vain Paul engaged in difficult labor (Acts 17:5–10; 1 Thess 2:9). If the Thessalonians give into temptation and abandon their faith, his missionary efforts among them would be in vain—a recurring concern for Paul (e.g., Gal 4:11; Phil 2:16).

3:6 Timothy See note on 1 Thess 1:2; 3:2.

always think kindly of us Paul was concerned about the Thessalonians’ perception of him (see 2:3 and note). Timothy’s news brought him relief—they had fond memories of Paul and desired to see him again.

3:8 stand firm Paul’s favorite expression for staying faithful to God and His gospel message (Gal 5:1; Phil 4:1; 2 Thess 2:15).

3:9 what thanks can we repay to God Paul knows he cannot take credit for the believers’ perseverance through suffering—he was not there with them. He gives thanks that God strengthened them to endure the persecution.

3:10 complete what is lacking in your faith Paul is relieved and grateful for the believers’ perseverance but recognizes that they still have needs. This phrase refers to the Thessalonians’ need for further instruction, not to a failure to have genuine faith in Christ. Paul probably is anticipating their need to be instructed on questions about Christ’s return and those who have died (1 Thess 4:13–18). Since Paul cannot be there in person, he writes this letter to strengthen their faith in Christ.

3:11 direct our way to you Satan hindered Paul’s plan to return to Thessalonica (2:18). But God ultimately directs Paul’s missionary efforts, and He will make a path for his return to Thessalonica—it seems that Paul later returned to Thessalonica (see Acts 20:4–5).

3:12 abound in love Paul already commended the believers for their love (1 Thess 1:3). Now he prays that their love will increase. This love should extend not only to persecuted believers, but also to those who persecute believers.

3:13 coming of our Lord Jesus See note on 1:10.

with all his saints This might refer to believers, but the Greek term here literally means “holy ones”—a term also used for angelic beings in the ot (Deut 33:2; Job 5:1; 15:15; Psa 89:5; Zech 14:5). Zechariah 14:5 describes the Lord coming with angelic beings on the Day of the Lord. This is the point of reference in 2 Thess 1:7, which is most likely a parallel to 1 Thess 3:13.