1 Thess. 3:1-8, Discipleship in Action

So Paul said he was hindered by Satan so that he stayed alone in Athens while Timothy returned to Thessalonica.  We should acknowledge God’s great work through Satan’s hindrance.  


For one thing, there is His work in Timothy.  He was a new part of the team, having joined them at Philippi which was the ministry stop immediately before Thessalonica (Acts 16-17).  You will remember that on the first missionary trip John Mark had left the team after the first recorded stop at Cyprus (Ac. 13:4-13).  Timothy, on the second trip, had already been with them to Troas (where the Holy Spirit led them in a direction none of them had anticipated), Philippi (Paul and Silas were put in jail), Thessalonica and Berea (they were run out of town by the Jews).  


Paul’s description of Timothy is amazing given his youth and short time on “the team”: our brother and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ (2:3).  Timothy’s task was significant: to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith.  This is a good example of discipleship, of Paul’s mission of committing the word of God to faithful men who will be able to teach others also (2 Tim. 2:2).


The other thing God did during Satan’s hindrance was to give Paul the opportunity to preach the gospel and reap a harvest at Athens (Ac. 17:16-34).  Satan is a defeated enemy so that even his best plans will not stand up against the will and work of God.  Satan’s only open door is with believers who are not walking in the Spirit.  

Speaking of Satan’s active involvement in what Christ is doing (edification; He is building His Church, Mt. 16:18), did you notice how Paul had prepared the believers for the inevitable persecution?  Paul did not have to be a prophet to know this; it is clearly taught in Scripture.

·        Mt. 7:14: we are on a “narrow road”, a “pressed” road.

·        Jn. 16:33: Jesus told His disciples: in the world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world.  Persecution is the result of the world system that is ruled by Satan.  But by the death and resurrection of Christ the one with the power of death (Satan) had been rendered powerless (Heb. 2:14).

·        Ac. 14:22: Thus Paul warned believer that with much affliction we must enter the kingdom of God.

But not to worry!  Tribulation cannot separate us from the love of Christ (Rom. 8:35).  God will comfort us in tribulation (2 Cor. 1:4).  And the comparatively light weight of tribulation will bring an eternal weight of glory (2 Cor. 4:17).


Upon Timothy’s return Paul was blessed to hear of the growing maturity of the church.  Paul’s great concern for the church resulted in his comfort as he heard of God’s work being done.  He was told of their faith and love and was not hopeful of their hope: For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord!  What a great perspective Paul has about what is truly important in life.