1 Thessalonians 3:1-3 Part 1 of 2

So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.

So when we could stand it no longer

1 Thessalonians 3:5  For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens 

Acts 17:14-15  The believers immediately sent Paul to the coast, but Silas and Timothy stayed at Berea. Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.

We sent Timothy 

Acts 16:1  Paul came to Derbe and then to Lystra, where a disciple named Timothy lived, whose mother was Jewish and a believer but whose father was a Greek.

who is our brother and co-worker 

1 Corinthians 3:9  For we are co-workers in God's service; you are God's field, God's building.

2 Corinthians 6:1-2  As God's co-workers we urge you not to receive God's grace in vain. For he says, "In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you." (Isaiah 49:8) I tell you, now is the time of God's favor, now is the day of salvation.

in God's service in spreading the gospel of Christ 

2 Corinthians 2:12  Now when I went to Troas to preach the gospel of Christ and found that the Lord had opened a door for me, ...

2 Corinthians 4:3-4  Even if our gospel is veiled, it is veiled to those who are perishing. The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®, Copyright© 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. Limited to 15 verses per post.