I Thessalonians 3:2
A plain-spoken deep dive on this verse. Read the chapter →
We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
minister of God and our fellow labourer--Some oldest manuscripts read, "fellow workman with God"; others, "minister of God." The former is probably genuine, as copyists probably altered it to the latter to avoid the bold phrase, which, however, is sanctioned by Co1 3:9; Co2 6:1. The English Version reading is not well supported, and is plainly compounded out of the two other readings. Paul calls Timothy "our brother" here; but in Co1 4:17, "my son." He speaks thus highly of one so lately ordained, both to impress the Thessalonians with a high respect for the delegate sent to them, and to encourage Timothy, who seems to have been of a timid character (Ti1 4:12; Ti1 5:23). "Gospel ministers do the work of God with Him, for Him, and under Him" [EDMUNDS]. establish--Greek, "confirm." In Th2 3:3, GOD is said to "stablish": He is the true establisher: ministers are His "instruments." concerning--Greek, "in behalf of," that is, for the furtherance of your faith. The Greek for "comfort" includes also the idea, "exhort." The Thessalonians in their trials needed both (Th1 3:3; compare Act 14:22).
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle gives further evidence of his love to the Thessalonians, reminding them of his sending Timothy to them, with the mention of his design therein and his inducements so to do (Th1 3:1-5). He acquaints them also with his great satisfaction at the return of Timothy, with good tidings concerning them (Th1 3:6-10). And concludes with fervent prayer for them (Th1 3:11 to the end).
Open source ↗Cross-references
Other passages the community most often connects to this one. Tap to read.
For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was proclaimed among you by me and Silvanus and Timothy, was not “Yes” and “No,” but in Him it has always been “Yes.”
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God in Corinth, together with all the saints throughout Achaia:
Timothy, my fellow worker, sends you greetings, as do Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater, my fellow countrymen.
Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where he found a disciple named Timothy, the son of a believing Jewish woman and a Greek father.
As for Titus, he is my partner and fellow worker among you. As for our brothers, they are messengers of the churches, to the glory of Christ.
I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and will continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith,
That is why I have sent you Timothy, my beloved and faithful child in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which is exactly what I teach everywhere in every church.
And when Silas and Timothy came down from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself fully to the word, testifying to the Jews that Jesus is the Christ.