1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10: Interpretation, Application, and Prayer

Written by Adam Robinson in 1 Thessalonians

In this article, I will first interpret 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10, including discerning the main point and providing an outline of the passage. Then I will show how the passage can be applied to modern Christians, while concluding with a prayer that is based on the passage.

1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10

“2:17But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, 18because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. 19For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20For you are our glory and joy. 

3:1Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 4For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.

6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you—7for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. 8For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. 9For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?”

1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10

Interpretation of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10

Topic and Main Point

The topic is Paul and Silvanus’s encouragement from the Thessalonians in their absence.  Having finished thanking God for the Thessalonians and recounting their arrival in Thessalonica (1 Thess 1:2–2:16), Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy recount their strong desire to see the Thessalonians again and how the Thessalonians encouraged the apostles during their separation. 

The main topic of this passage is not easy to identify because of its length and the multiple topics addressed throughout it.  However, as will be seen throughout the study, there is one overarching topic, which is Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s encouragement from the Thessalonians in their absence.  

NOTE: Because Timothy is sent to check on the Thessalonians, care must be made in determining the antecedent of the pronouns “we” and “us.”  These first-person plural pronouns could refer to (1) Paul and Silvanus, (2) Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, or (3) Paul, Silvanus, Timothy, and the Thessalonians. 

The main point of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10 is: Paul and Silvanus were greatly encouraged to learn from Timothy that the Thessalonians’ faith remained strong in their absence and that the Thessalonians desired to see them as much as Paul and Silvanus wanted to see the Thessalonians. 

Like the topic, the main point is somewhat difficult to determine due to the length of the passage and the multiple topics addressed.  The main point can be derived by examining each of the three paragraphs that make up 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10 and determining the main point of each paragraph and their relationship to each other.  Once this has been done, the topic and the main point become clear.  In a passage such as 2:17–3:10 where the main point is not obvious upon a first reading, the study of the parts must be done first in order to determine the meaning of the whole.  It is to the parts that we now turn. 

There are three paragraphs that make up 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10: 

  • 1 Thess 2:17–20
  • 1 Thess 3:1–5
  • 1 Thess 3:6–10

Determining paragraphs should be easy for the most part because many Bible versions do it for you.  Some printed versions and some electronic versions do not break Scripture into paragraphs, which can make reading the Bible more difficult.  I recommend always having easy access to a Bible that breaks Scripture into paragraphs. 

Delineating paragraphs is extremely important for understanding Scripture (and any written work).  There is usually one overarching point in a paragraph, which is true of each paragraph in 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10.  

1 Thessalonians 2:17–20

The main point of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 is “we endeavored . . . to see you face to face” (v 17b).  If we were to put the main point into the third person, we would say, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy endeavoured (or “made every effort”) to see the Thessalonians in person.  This is clearly the main point because this is the main clause.  We know it is the main clause because everything else in 2:17–20 modifies “we endeavored . . . to see you face to face” (v 17b).  

There are four stated reasons for the apostles’ effort to see the Thessalonians in person:

  1. They were separated (“torn away” or “orphaned”) from the Thessalonians (v 17a).  As evidenced in Bible versions such as the KJV (“being taken”) or NASB (“having been taken”), the term “separated” is an adverbial participle that modifies the main verb endeavor in “we endeavoured.”  Thus, it is up to the reader to discern the participle’s relationship to the main verb.  Some versions, such as the ESV, understand it as indicating reason or cause, which is evidenced by the inclusion of “since.”  Other versions, such as the NET and NIV understand the participle as indicating time, evidenced by the inclusion of “when” in their translations.  Whether one understands the participle as indicating cause, reason, or time, the context of verse 17 is clear that on account of Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy being separated from the Thessalonians, they have sought to see them again face-to-face (i.e., in person). 
  2. They greatly desired to come to the Thessalonians (v 18a).  Verse 18 in most English versions begins with the conjunction “for” or “because,” indicating reason or a causal connection between the main clause and verse 18a.  Paul and Silvanus made every effort to see the Thessalonians in person because they really wanted to visit them.  This idea is confirmed in verse 17b where the apostles say they endeavoured to see the Thessalonians “the more eagerly and with great desire.” 
  3. The Thessalonians are the apostles’ hope, joy, and crown of boasting before Jesus when he arrives (v 19).  Again, the conjunction “for” that begins verse 19 indicates reason or cause.  The apostles made every effort to see the Thessalonians in person because of the extreme worth the Thessalonians are to the apostles.  When the apostles stand before Jesus at his return, they will be able to stand tall because of the work they did among the Thessalonians.  
  4. The Thessalonians are the apostles’ glory and joy (v 20).  Some versions, such as the CSB and NIV, understand verse 20 as either clarifying verse 19 or confirming the truthfulness of verse 19 with the adverb “indeed.”  This is certainly possible and thus verse 20 could be taken with verse 19, limiting the reasons for the apostles’ effort to see the Thessalonians as three.  However, because “for” (ESV, KJV, NASB, NET; translated by the CSB and NIV as “indeed”) is the same as that in verse 19 in the Greek text and because it introduces a new term, “glory,” it seems best to understand “for” in verse 20 as expressing a fourth reason for the apostles’ effort to see the Thessalonians.  Whereas the Thessalonians will be the apostles hope, joy, and crown of boasting in the future when Jesus returns (v 19), verse 20 states that the Thessalonians are the apostles’ glory (or “honour”) and joy now.  As such, the apostles made every effort to see them face-to-face. 

Despite the apostles’ great desire and plans to see the Thessalonians in person, they were unable to see them in person because Satan hindered them: “but Satan hindered us” (v 18b).  The details as to how Satan hindered the apostles from going to the Thessalonians are not stated in 1 Thessalonians.  Some inferences could be drawn from the book of Acts, but ultimately, Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy do not state exactly how Satan hindered them.

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 explains what Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy did in light of the fact that they couldn’t visit the Thessalonians even though they greatly desired to visit.  The relationship between 3:1–5 and the preceding paragraph (2:17–20) is discovered in two ways.  First, the conjunction “therefore,” indicates inference (some English translations use “so”), indicating that what is about to be written is the answer to the dilemma posed in 2:17–20.  Second, the content of 3:1–5 is about what the apostles did in light of the fact that they couldn’t visit the Thessalonians. 

The main point of 1 Thessalonians 3:1–5 is: in light of not being able to visit the Thessalonians, Paul and Silvanus remained in Athens and sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and encourage them and to learn about their faith.  The main point can be discerned in the same way as the previous passage, by finding the main clause.  The main clause is found in 3:1b–2a: “we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy.”  Everything else in the passage modifies and helps explain this main clause, especially the purpose for sending Timothy, which can then be brought into the main point as appropriate.  Let’s now look at some of the key modifiers. 

The apostles list a threefold purpose for sending Timothy to the Thessalonians.

  1. To establish (or “strengthen”) the Thessalonians in their faith (or “for the sake of your faith”) (v 2b).  The preposition “to” frequently indicates purpose.  
  2. To encourage the Thessalonians in their faith (or “for the sake of your faith”) (v 2b).  Again, the preposition “to” indicates purpose.  The prepositional phrase “in your faith” is modifying both “to establish” and “to encourage.” 
  3. To learn about the Thessalonians’ faith (v 5).  In verse 5, the verb “sent” is used again.  The sending can only refer to the sending of Timothy mentioned in verse 2.  Thus, the phrase “I sent to learn about your faith” is a third purpose for sending Timothy with the preposition “to” once again indicating purpose. 

The purpose for establishing and encouraging the Thessalonians in their faith is so that the Thessalonians are not moved or shaken by their afflictions (v 3).  The term “that” (ESV, KJV) or “so that” (CSB, NASB, NET, NIV) frequently introduces a purpose clause, which is exactly what verse 3 is.  

Although it is possible to understand “these afflictions” as referring to the afflictions of the apostles while interpreting the “we” pronouns in verses 3–4 as referring to Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, it is more likely that the afflictions refer to those which the Thessalonians and the apostles are suffering with the “we” pronouns in verses 3–4 as referring to both the Thessalonians and the apostles.  1 Thessalonians has provided evidence that both the Thessalonians were suffering affliction and persecution (1:6; 2:14) and the apostles were suffering affliction and persecution (1:6; 2:2, 18; 3:7).  Further, Paul’s fear that Satan may have tempted the Thessalonian believers away from the faith suggests that, at the very least, the reference to “these afflictions” refers to the Thessalonians’ afflictions brought about by Satan.  Finally, it should not be overlooked that the “we” in verses 3–4 could refer to all Christians. 

Paul wants to learn about the status of the Thessalonians’ faith because he fears that the tempter (i.e., Satan) has tempted the Thessalonian believers away from the faith, that Satan has made a shipwreck of the Thessalonians’ faith and, thus, that Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy’s labour and work among the Thessalonians (mentioned in 2:1–12) has been in vain, for naught (v 5b). 

1 Thessalonians 3:6–10

1 Thessalonians 3:6–10 presents the results of Timothy’s visit.  The content of verse 6 is clear that Timothy returned to Paul and Silvanus and brought news of the Thessalonians’ faith: “But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith . . .” (v 6). 

The main point of 1 Thessalonians 3:6–10 is that the apostles were encouraged by Timothy’s report that said the Thessalonians were well established in the faith and that the Thessalonians also wanted to see Paul and Silvanus.  The main point is deduced by discovering the main clause.  There is only one main clause in 1 Thessalonians 3:6–10.  The main clause is located in verse 7c: “we have been encouraged (or “comforted”).”  We can identify the main clause because everything else in the passage modifies it.  Once the main clause has been located, the next step is to discern what modifies it.  To determine the main point, one simply needs to summarize the main clause with its modifiers.  

There are six modifiers to the main clause “we have been encouraged” in 3:6–10.  Sometimes it helps to write out the main clause and then make the list underneath it so that you can better see what is happening in the passage. 

Paul and Silvanus (“we”) were encouraged (v 7c) . . .

  1. Because of Timothy’s report (v 6–7a).  The prepositional phrase “for this reason” modifies the main clause and refers back to the report in verse 6: “for this reason (i.e., the good news that Timothy brought), we have been encouraged.”  Note the three topics of the report according to verse 6: (a) the good news of the Thessalonians’ faith, (b) the good news of the Thessalonians’ love, and (c) the Thessalonians’ desire to see the apostles as much as the apostles desire to see them. 
  2. During their distress and affliction (v 7b).  The encouragement to the apostles came “in” or “during” the apostles’ distress and affliction: “in all our distress and affliction.” 
  3. Because of the Thessalonians (v 7d).  A second reason for the apostles’ encouragement is the Thessalonians: “about [or “because of”] you.”  Obviously, the Thessalonians became an encouragement to the apostles on account of Timothy’s report.  
  4. Through the Thessalonians’ faith (v 7e).  The source of the apostles’ encouragement is the Thessalonians’ faith, which has remained strong despite the temptations from Satan and their afflictions: “through your faith.” 
  5. Resulting in the apostles living since the Thessalonians are established in the Lord (v 8).  Verse 8 is inferential.  An inference of the apostles’ encouragement on account of the Thessalonians’ faith (their being established in the Lord) is that the apostles “live.”  Obviously, this does not mean the apostles’ physical existence is determined by the faithfulness of the Thessalonians.  It seems more likely that the apostles are speaking figuratively, possibly suggesting that they are able to continue their ministry because of the positive outcome of the Thessalonians faith or that they are strengthened because of the positive outcome of the Thessalonians faith. Charles Wanamaker (The Epistles to the Thessalonians, NIGTC, 136) states the reference to living “implies that Paul derived a sense of strength from the endurance of his converts that enabled him to continue his missionary work in the face of opposition and oppression.”
  6. Resulting in thanksgiving and petition (v 9–10).  A second inference of the apostles’ encouragement on account of the Thessalonians’ faith is the apostles’ desire to give thanksgiving to God (v 9), while they petition the Lord to see the Thessalonians in person and to complete (or “supply”) what is lacking in their faith (v 10).  In short, the result of the apostles’ encouragement is thanksgiving and petition. 

Our passage ends with Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy petitioning the Lord to see the Thessalonians in person and to “supply what is lacking in your faith?” (1 Thess 3:10).  At first glance, the text seems to contradict what the apostles earlier claimed, which is that the Thessalonians’ faith was strong and established (3:6–9).  Indeed, the strength of the Thessalonians’ faith is the source of the apostles’ encouragement and the source of life for the apostles (used figuratively).  So, what do the apostles mean when they say they want to “supply what is lacking in your faith?” (3:10).  A look at the various translations of 3:10b will help us discern what is meant. 

  • “to complete what is lacking in your faith?” (CSB)
  • “supply what is lacking in your faith?” (ESV)
  • “might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?” (KJV)
  • “may complete what is lacking in your faith?” (NASB)
  • “make up what may be lacking in your faith” (NET)
  • “supply what is lacking in your faith” (NIV)
  • “restore whatever is lacking in your faith” (NRSV)

It should first be noticed that all translations agree with the term “lacking.”  Despite the strength of the Thessalonians’ faith (the outworking of their belief in Christ in their thinking, worldview, and everyday lives), there is still some deficiency.  This does not mean that the Thessalonians’ faith is not strong or established, but that there is still room for growth and development.  Another possible translation for the term “lacking” (ὑστέρημα) is “shortcoming.”  There are still some shortcomings in the Thessalonians’ faith.  As we will see in 1 Thessalonians 4–5, the apostles continue teaching and exhorting the Thessalonians, indicating that there are still some areas for growth and development in their faith.  

Now that we understand the issue with the Thessalonians, we can better understand what the apostles want to do when they come to the Thessalonians and see them face-to-face.  The diversity of verbs used (complete, supply, perfect, make up, restore) gives us a good picture of what the apostles want to do to the Thessalonians’ faith.  They want to continue developing the Thessalonians’ faith.  Personally, I like the translations “complete” or “perfect,” because these give us an accurate picture of what the apostles desire to do.  It is not as if the Thessalonians have lost something in their faith; rather, their faith needs further development until it has reached completion or perfection.  The apostles want to continue developing the Thessalonian’s faith until it reaches completion or perfection.  This is essentially what Christian pastors and leaders are doing with the people over which God has put them.  Pastors and Christian leaders seek to develop the faith of God’s people until it reaches completion/perfection. 

Thus, in 1 Thessalonians 3:10, the apostles petition God that they could see the Thessalonians face-to-face again so that they may continue developing their faith (the outworking of their belief in Christ in their thinking, worldview, and everyday lives). 

Summary of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10

Main Point of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10

Now that the main idea has been determined from each paragraph in 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10, we must revisit our key question: what is the main point of 2:17–3:10?  The way we determine the main point of this passage is to combine and synthesize the main point of each paragraph into a single idea. 

  • Main idea of 2:17–20: Paul and Silvanus made every effort to see the Thessalonians in person.
  • Main idea of 3:1–5: In light of not being able to visit the Thessalonians, Paul and Silvanus remained in Athens and sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and encourage them and to learn about their faith.
  • Main idea of 3:6–10: The apostles were encouraged by Timothy’s report that said the Thessalonians were well established in the faith and that the Thessalonians also wanted to see Paul and Silvanus.

Main Point of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10: Paul and Silvanus were greatly encouraged to learn from Timothy that the Thessalonians’ faith remained strong in their absence and that the Thessalonians desired to see them as much as Paul and Silvanus wanted to see the Thessalonians.

Summary of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10

Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy greatly wanted to visit the Thessalonians and even made plans to visit them.  However, Satan hindered the apostles from visiting the Thessalonians so they sent Timothy to determine the state of the Thessalonians’ faith, whether it was still strong or whether Satan and persecution had tempted them away from the faith.  Timothy returned to Paul and Silvanus with an encouraging report that the Thessalonians’ faith was strong and that they desired to see the apostles as much as the apostles wanted to see them. 

Another helpful way of summarizing a passage is by producing an outline.  An outline can help you remember the main points and the argument of a passage at a glance and is a useful tool for teaching a passage. 

Paul and Silvanus (and Timothy for point A)

            A. Made every effort to see the Thessalonians in person (2:17b)

                        1. Because they were separated from the Thessalonians (17a)

                        2. Because they greatly desired to come to them (v 18a)

                        3. Because the Thessalonians will be the apostles’ hope, joy, and crown of boasting in the presence of Jesus when he arrives (v 19)

                        4. Because the Thessalonians are the apostles’ glory and joy now (v 20)

                        5. But could not visit the Thessalonians because Satan hindered them (v 18b). 

            B. Remained in Athens and sent Timothy to the Thessalonians (3:1–2a)

                        1. To strengthen and encourage the Thessalonians (v 2b)

                                    a. For the sake of their faith (v 2b)

                                    b. For the purpose of ensuring no one is moved or shaken by their afflictions (v 3–4)

                        2. To lean about the state of the Thessalonians’ faith (v 5a)

                                    a. To ensure Satan had not tempted them away from the faith (v 5b)

                                    b. To ensure Paul and Silvanus’ labour was not in vain (v 5b)

            C. Were Encouraged (v 7c)

                        1. Because of Timothy’s report (v 6–7a)

                        2. During their distress and affliction (v 7b)

                        3. Because of the Thessalonians (v 7d)

                        4. Through the Thessalonians’ faith (v 7e)

                        5. Resulting in them living since the Thessalonians are established in the Lord (v 8)

                        6. Resulting in thanksgiving and petition (v 9–10)

Application of 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10 to Modern Christians

1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10 is difficult to apply because it is Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy recalling their personal feelings, desires, and the historical actions they took in light of those feelings and desires (much like 2:1–12).  In short, the text is not commanding or asking anything of the Thessalonians or the reader.  

The best way to go about applying a passage such as 2:17–3:10 is to discern what the Thessalonians did to please the apostles or what was praiseworthy about the Thessalonians’ behaviour.  We focus on the Thessalonians and not the apostles because the Thessalonians are average believers in the same place of salvation history as us the modern reader.  As such, the modern believer can imitate the pleasing and praiseworthy behaviour of the Thessalonians and know they are pleasing God and behaving in a praiseworthy manner.  

In light of what the apostles say to and about the Thessalonians, there are two points of application that can be drawn from 2:17–3:10: 

  1. Prepare for and do not be shaken by afflictions that come your way due to your belief in Jesus (3:3–4).  Paul and Silvanus sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to establish them in their faith so that they would not be moved or shaken by the affliction/persecution that came upon them because of their belief in Jesus.  Modern Christians should also seek to have a strong faith so that afflictions and persecutions do not shake or move them.  This is even more important if the “we” in 1 Thess 3:4 refers to all believers and not just the Thessalonians and apostles.  If the “we” refers to all believers, then 3:4 is stating that all Christians are destined for affliction on account of their faith.  As such, all Christians should prepare for and not be shaken by afflictions that come their way due to belief in Jesus.
  2. Encourage your Christian leaders by strengthening your faith and love (3:6–9).  What encouraged Paul and Silvanus was the strength of the Thessalonians’ faith and love.  Thus, modern Christians should encourage their leaders by the strength of their faith and love.  This means that modern Christians need to exhibit their strength of faith and strength of love in actions.  Show your strength of faith by not wavering in trying situations, but trusting in the Lord despite what adversities come your way.  Show your strength of faith by adhering to biblical truth despite the strong influence of modern culture that urges you to dispense with it.  Show your strength of love by serving others without bragging about it.  Serve the meals, clean up after church services, seek out the needs of others and meet those needs in practical ways.  The best way a person can encourage a Christian leader is to constantly demonstrate strength of faith and love through one’s actions. 

Prayer Based on 1 Thessalonians 2:17–3:10

To pray this passage accurately, we will focus on the application points and pray that God enables us to remain strong in the faith during affliction and to encourage our leaders through our strength of faith and love. 

Dear God, please establish my faith.  Strengthen my faith to the point that I am unwavering in the face of trials, tribulations, afflictions, and persecutions.  I know that Satan is on the prowl seeking to tempt me to be unfaithful to you (1 Thess 3:5), but do not let him succeed.  May I be an immovable boulder in my faithfulness to you in the face of opposition.  May my strength of faith and love also be a source of encouragement to my Christian leaders.  Help me to live out my faith in actions each and every day.  Help me to love in deed and not only in word by serving my Christian brothers and sisters for their benefit.  As my Christian leaders witness the strength of faith and love you have given me and developed in me, may they be greatly encouraged to continue serving you and the people you have put in their care faithfully.  In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Adam Robinson

I am the pastor of a non-denominational church in rural Queensland, Australia. Prior to pastoring, I was a Lecturer in Biblical Studies at two Bible Colleges in Queensland, Australia. I received my PhD in New Testament from Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary.

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