RSV ~ 1 Thessalonians 3 Notes

1 Thess 3:1 | ISB Notes

at Athens: According to Acts 17:10-15, Paul and his missionary team escaped Thessalonica by night, traveled overland to Beroea, and then Paul went on by himself to Athens. Apparently Silas and Timothy rejoined him in Athens shortly thereafter.

1 Thess 3:2 | ISB Notes

we sent Timothy: Restless and anxious for the welfare of the Thessalonians, Paul and Silas sent Timothy on a mission to encourage and reassure the recently abandoned community. He returned after Paul had left Athens for Corinth (Acts 18:5). He brought a glowing report of how fast the believers were growing in virtue and how deeply they longed to see Paul again (1 Thess 3:6). This heartening news was a comfort to the suffering apostle (3:7).

1 Thess 3:3 | ISB Notes

these afflictions: Tribulation and distress are the inevitable lot of the true apostle (1 Cor 4:9-13). In this way, Jesus reproduces his own experience of suffering in the lives of his ordained shepherds (2 Cor 4:8-12). The Thessalonians are also sharing in these afflictions (1 Thess 2:14).

1 Thess 3:10 | ISB Notes

what is lacking: Gaps remain in the catechetical instruction of the Thessalonians. Paul hopes to fill these gaps by returning to complete the process of Christian formation in person (3:11).

1 Thess 3:12 | ISB Notes

abound in love: i.e., in the divine love that Christ pours into our hearts through the Spirit (Rom 5:5). It reaches out to one another in the family of faith as well as to all persons in the family of man, friends and enemies alike (Mt 5:43-48). Because the Lord is the Giver of this gift, only he can make it increase and overflow (CCC 1825).

1 Thess 3:13 | ISB Notes

holiness: Moral and spiritual sanctity. See note on 1 Thess 4:3.

the coming: The third mention of Christ’s return so far in the letter (1:10; 2:19). See note on 1 Thess 2:19.

all his saints: Or, “all his holy ones”. This could refer to the blessed angels or the victorious saints or both. Most likely, Paul is saying that Christ will descend from heaven with an army of holy angels. This is the picture drawn by Jesus (Mk 8:38), by the OT (Zech 14:5), and by Paul himself in his follow-up letter (2 Thess 1:7).