1 Thessalonians 1:3

He opened his first epistle by commending them for their “work of faith, and labor of love, and patience of hope” (1 Thessalonians 1:3), and telling them that he thanked God for them every time he prayed. Similar words of encouragement and gratitude occur repeatedly throughout these letters.

He assured the Thessalonian believers that he would have gladly given his life for them (1 Thessalonians 2:8), and told them that he longed to see them face to face, for they were his “glory and joy” (1 Thessalonians 2:20).

From what he wrote, we can easily gather that his own comfort or recognition for himself were secondary considerations. He was so tenderly concerned for these recent converts in Thessalonica that he looked upon their spiritual welfare as being of far greater importance than his own pleasure.

In the opening words of the third chapter he told them of his earnest desire to see them and his regret that it was impossible. He had sent Timothy from Athens because he couldn’t stand the suspense any longer, wondering how they were progressing in their spiritual walk. This is the meaning of the words, “Wherefore, when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone, and sent Timothy …” (1 Thessalonians 3:1,2). On the basis of this statement and many other indications throughout the epistles, no one can question Paul’s genuine concern for these people he had recently led to Jesus.