Paul's Longing, Timothy's Mission, and Concern for the Church
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
1Thess.2.17 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Ημεις: PRON,nom,pl,1
- δε: CONJ
- αδελφοι: NOUN,nom,pl,m
- απορφανισθεντες: VERB,aor,pass,ptc,nom,pl,m
- αφ᾽υμων: PREP+PRON,gen,pl,2
- προς: PREP
- καιρον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ωρας: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- προσωπω: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- ου: PART,neg
- καρδια: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- περισσοτερως: ADV,comp
- εσπουδασαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- προσωπον: NOUN,acc,sg,n
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- ιδειν: VERB,aor,act,inf
- εν: PREP
- πολλη: ADJ,dat,sg,f
- επιθυμια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- Romans 1:11-12 (verbal): Paul expresses a similar longing to visit so he can impart a spiritual gift and be mutually encouraged—language and motive parallel the desire to see the Thessalonians’ faces.
- Philippians 1:8 (verbal): Paul affirms his deep longing/affection for the recipients ('how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus'), echoing the emotional intensity of 1 Thess 2:17.
- 1 Thessalonians 3:6-10 (structural): Immediate context in the same letter: Paul reports separation, Timothy’s mission, and his ongoing desire and prayer to see the Thessalonian believers—continues and develops the same theme.
- 2 Corinthians 7:6-7 (thematic): Paul describes being comforted by news brought by Titus and the mutual joy and refreshment that accompanied that report—parallels the pastoral concern, longing, and consolation connected to reports about a congregation.
Alternative generated candidates
- But we, brothers, having been separated from you for a short time—not in heart, but in person—long all the more earnestly to see your face; and we were willing to come to you, indeed I, Paul, often and again.
- But we, brothers, having been separated from you for a short time—though not in heart, but in presence—longed all the more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
1Thess.2.18 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- διοτι: CONJ
- ηθελησαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- ελθειν: VERB,pres,act,inf
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- εγω: PRON,nom,sg,1
- μεν: PART
- Παυλος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- απαξ: ADV
- και: CONJ
- δις: ADV
- και: CONJ
- ενεκοψεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- ημας: PRON,acc,pl,1
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- Σατανας: NOUN,nom,sg,m
Parallels
- Romans 1:13 (verbal): Paul says he 'planned many times' to come but 'was hindered' (similar language and situation of thwarted travel to visit a church).
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5 (allusion): Paul expresses fear that 'the tempter' (ὁ πειράζων) had tempted them—connects the idea of a satanic adversary working against the Thessalonian congregation and Paul's ministry.
- 2 Corinthians 12:7 (verbal): Paul speaks of a 'messenger of Satan' given to buffet him—another explicit reference to Satanic opposition affecting Paul's life and ministry.
- Acts 16:6-10 (thematic): Paul's planned travel is divinely redirected (the Spirit prevents entry into certain regions), illustrating the broader theme that spiritual forces can govern apostolic itineraries—parallel to being 'hindered' by Satan in Thessalonians.
Alternative generated candidates
- For we desired to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us.
- Therefore I tried again and again to come to you—Paul—yet Satan hindered me.
1Thess.2.19 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- τις: PRON,nom,sg,?
- γαρ: PART
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- ελπις: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- χαρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- στεφανος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- καυχησεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- ουχι: PART
- και: CONJ
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- εμπροσθεν: PREP
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- κυριου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- Ιησου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τη: ART,dat,sg,f
- αυτου: PRON,gen,sg,m
- παρουσια: NOUN,dat,sg,f
Parallels
- 2 Timothy 4:8 (verbal): Uses the image of a 'crown' awarded at Christ's appearing and explicitly links the crown to the Lord's coming—parallels 1 Thess 2:19's 'crown of boasting' and the eschatological presence of Jesus.
- Philippians 2:16 (verbal): Paul speaks of being 'proud' (boasting) 'in the day of Christ,' echoing the language of hope/joy/boasting tied to the Lord's coming in 1 Thess 2:19.
- 1 Thessalonians 4:17 (thematic): Focuses on believers being with the Lord at his coming; thematically parallels 2:19's emphasis on the Thessalonians as the apostolic 'hope/joy/crown' in the Lord's presence at the parousia.
- John 14:3 (thematic): Jesus' promise 'I will come again... that where I am you may be also' provides the same eschatological hope of being with the Lord at his coming that undergirds the language of 1 Thess 2:19.
Alternative generated candidates
- For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
- For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?
1Thess.2.20 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- υμεις: PRON,nom,pl,2
- γαρ: PART
- εστε: VERB,pres,act,ind,2,pl
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- δοξα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- η: ART,nom,sg,f
- χαρα: NOUN,nom,sg,f
Parallels
- 1 Thessalonians 2:19 (verbal): Immediate parallel in the same passage: Paul links the Thessalonians with hope, joy, and crown—closely related language to calling them 'our glory and joy.'
- 1 Thessalonians 3:9 (thematic): Paul speaks of rejoicing before God on account of the Thessalonians ('all the joy with which we rejoice before our God'), echoing the theme of the believers as the source of his joy.
- Philippians 4:1 (verbal): Paul addresses the Philippian church as 'my joy and crown,' using the same metaphors of believers as the apostle's joy and vindication.
- Romans 15:17-18 (thematic): Paul speaks of boasting/glory in Christ's work through him among the Gentiles—a related idea of the apostle's pride and glory grounded in the fruit of his ministry (i.e., the churches).
Alternative generated candidates
- For you are our glory and our joy.
- For you are our glory and joy.
1Thess.3.1 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- Διο: CONJ
- μηκετι: ADV
- στεγοντες: VERB,pres,act,ptc,nom,pl,m
- ευδοκησαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- καταλειφθηναι: VERB,aor,pass,inf
- εν: PREP
- Αθηναις: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- μονοι: ADJ,nom,pl,m
Parallels
- Acts 17:15 (structural): Narrative correlate: describes the actual sending/ordering of Silas and Timothy in the same missionary episode when Paul was in Athens—connects the epistolary report to the Acts itinerary.
- Acts 17:16 (thematic): Shows Paul's anxious spirit in Athens as he waited on news—parallels the motive for leaving/for sending help and companions to check on the churches.
- Philippians 2:19-23 (thematic): Paul's plan to send Timothy to learn about the Philippians and encourage them; parallels 1 Thess 3:2–with Timothy as Paul's trusted envoy to establish and comfort a church.
- 2 Corinthians 7:5-7 (thematic): Paul's distress while apart from the Corinthians and the comfort brought by Titus' report—analogous pattern of sending a companion to obtain news and relieve the apostle's anxiety about a congregation.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17-18 (structural): Internal parallel within the same letter: Paul laments being separated from the Thessalonians and expresses his desire to visit—frames the motive for leaving and for dispatching Timothy in ch. 3.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, since we could no longer endure it, we thought it best to be left at Athens alone;
- Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we thought it good to be left alone at Athens,
1Thess.3.2 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- επεμψαμεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,pl
- Τιμοθεον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- τον: ART,acc,sg,m
- αδελφον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
- και: CONJ
- συνεργον: NOUN,acc,sg,m
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- θεου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εν: PREP
- τω: ART,dat,sg,m
- ευαγγελιω: NOUN,dat,sg,n
- του: ART,gen,sg,n
- Χριστου: NOUN,gen,sg,m
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- στηριξαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- και: CONJ
- παρακαλεσαι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- υπερ: PREP
- της: ART,gen,sg,f
- πιστεως: NOUN,gen,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
Parallels
- 1 Cor 4:17 (verbal): Paul explicitly says he 'sent Timothy' to the Corinthians (similar verb and purpose), linking Timothy's role as Paul's envoy to strengthen and encourage a congregation.
- Phil 2:19-23 (thematic): Paul plans to send Timothy and describes him as a trusted companion who genuinely cares for the churches—paralleling Timothy's mission and character as Paul's representative in the gospel.
- Rom 16:21 (verbal): Timothy is called Paul's 'fellow worker' (συνεργος), the same designation used in 1 Thess 3:2 to describe his partnership in the gospel.
- Acts 15:32 (thematic): Judas (and Silas) 'encouraged and strengthened' the believers—language and function that parallel Timothy's mission to establish and exhort the Thessalonians in their faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow-worker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and to encourage you in your faith,
- and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and to encourage you concerning your faith,
1Thess.3.3 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- μηδενα: PRON,acc,sg,m
- σαινεσθαι: VERB,pres,mp,inf
- εν: PREP
- ταις: ART,dat,pl,f
- θλιψεσιν: NOUN,dat,pl,f
- ταυταις: DEM,dat,pl,f
- αυτοι: PRON,nom,pl,3
- γαρ: PART
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
- οτι: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- κειμεθα·: VERB,pres,mp,ind,1,pl
Parallels
- Philippians 1:29 (verbal): Speaks of believers being 'granted' (or privileged) not only to believe but also to suffer for Christ—paralleling 1 Thess 3:3's idea that they are appointed/laid out for affliction.
- John 16:33 (thematic): Jesus warns that believers will have tribulation but exhorts them not to be terrified—closely parallels Paul's admonition that no one be shaken by these afflictions.
- 1 Peter 4:12 (thematic): Urges Christians not to be surprised by 'fiery trials' but to expect suffering for faith, echoing the Thessalonian warning not to be alarmed by afflictions.
- Acts 14:22 (thematic): Paul and Barnabas exhort believers that 'through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God,' reflecting the notion that suffering is part of the Christian vocation.
- Romans 8:17 (thematic): Links Christian sonship with sharing in Christ's sufferings (and future glory), resonating with the idea that believers are destined/appointed to experience hardship.
Alternative generated candidates
- so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions—for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this—
- so that no one be moved by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
1Thess.3.4 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- και: CONJ
- γαρ: PART
- οτε: CONJ
- προς: PREP
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ημεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,pl
- προελεγομεν: VERB,impf,act,ind,1,pl
- υμιν: PRON,dat,pl,2
- οτι: CONJ
- μελλομεν: VERB,pres,act,ind,1,pl
- θλιβεσθαι: VERB,pres,mid/pass,inf
- καθως: CONJ
- και: CONJ
- εγενετο: VERB,aor,mid,ind,3,sg
- και: CONJ
- οιδατε: VERB,perf,act,ind,2,pl
Parallels
- Acts 20:23-24 (thematic): Paul predicts that bonds and afflictions await him in various cities—parallel to his earlier warning to the Thessalonians that suffering would come upon them.
- John 15:20 (thematic): Jesus warns that his followers will be treated as he was ('if they persecuted me, they will persecute you'), echoing the expectation of coming persecution expressed in 1 Thess 3:4.
- Matthew 10:16-23 (thematic): Jesus instructs the disciples that they will face persecution, betrayal, and hardship—an earlier prophecy of the trials Paul tells the Thessalonians to expect and that subsequently occurred.
- Acts 14:22 (thematic): Paul and Barnabas exhort believers that 'we must through many tribulations enter the kingdom of God,' reflecting the motif that suffering for the faith was expected and experienced.
- 2 Thessalonians 1:4-5 (allusion): Paul (and Timothy) commends the Thessalonian church for enduring persecutions and tribulations—recognizing the very suffering 1 Thess 3:4 says was foretold and came to pass.
Alternative generated candidates
- for when we were with you we declared to you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, and so it has come to pass, as you know.
- For indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, and so it came to pass, as you know.
1Thess.3.5 - Details
Original Text
Morphology
- δια: PREP
- τουτο: PRON,nom,sg,n
- καγω: CONJ+PRON,nom,sg,1
- μηκετι: ADV
- στεγων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- επεμψα: VERB,aor,act,ind,1,sg
- εις: PREP
- το: ART,acc,sg,n
- γνωναι: VERB,aor,act,inf
- την: ART,acc,sg,f
- πιστιν: NOUN,acc,sg,f
- υμων: PRON,gen,pl,2
- μη: PART
- πως: ADV
- επειρασεν: VERB,aor,act,ind,3,sg
- υμας: PRON,acc,pl,2
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- πειραζων: PART,pres,act,nom,sg,m
- και: CONJ
- εις: PREP
- κενον: ADJ,acc,sg,m
- γενηται: VERB,fut,mid,ind,3,sg
- ο: ART,nom,sg,m
- κοπος: NOUN,nom,sg,m
- ημων: PRON,gen,pl,1
Parallels
- 2 Corinthians 2:11 (verbal): Warns against giving Satan an advantage/foothold—language and concern parallel Paul’s fear that the tempter might have tempted the Thessalonians.
- 2 Corinthians 11:3 (verbal): Paul expresses fear that the Corinthians might be led into error by deceit—similar wording and the motif of a tempter/deceiver threatening believers’ faith.
- Galatians 4:11 (verbal): Paul says he fears he has labored for the Galatians in vain; parallels the concern here that the Thessalonians’ being tempted would make his labor pointless.
- James 1:12-15 (thematic): Discusses temptation, endurance, and the danger of being led into sin—themewise related to Paul’s concern that trials or the tempter might undermine the Thessalonians’ faith.
Alternative generated candidates
- Therefore, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to learn about your faith, lest the tempter should have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.
- For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest the tempter might have tempted you and our labor be in vain.
But we, brothers, being bereaved for a short while of your presence—in person, not in heart—have yearned all the more eagerly to see your faces. So we planned to come to you—indeed I, Paul, often tried to do so—but Satan blocked us.
For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting? Is it not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming?
For you are our glory and our joy.
Therefore, when we could no longer endure, we thought it best to remain behind at Athens alone,
and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
so that no one be moved by these tribulations. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to them.
For when we were with you we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction; and so it has come to pass, as you know.
For this reason, when I could no longer endure, I sent Timothy to learn about your faith, lest the tempter have tempted you and our labor prove in vain.