1 Thessalonians 3:7,8

Text (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8)

7 for this cause, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith: 8 for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

Translation and Paraphrase

7.

Because of this (good news about you), we are (greatly) comforted, brethren, about you (even) in all our distress and tribulation on account of your faith.

8.

(This comfort means more to us than you can imagine), because now we live if you stand fast in the Lord.

Notes (1 Thessalonians 3:7-8)

1.

The depth of Paul's longing for the Thessalonians can be seen in his statement, We live if ye stand fast in the Lord. This statement implies an opposite one: We die if you don-'t stand fast.

2.

Paul had certainly been in affliction and distress before Timothy returned from Thessalonica with good news. Before Timothy's arrival he had not even been stirred to preach. Acts 18:5. In Corinth the Jews blasphemed against him, Acts 18:6, The Lord even saw fit to appear to Paul in Corinth to encourage him, Acts 18:8-9.

3.

Paul urged the Thessalonians to stand fast in the Lord. It may not be enough in itself to stand still, but we certainly ought to stand against the onslaughts of Satan and not to yield. Ephesians 6:11; Ephesians 6:13-14. Put on the whole armor of God, that ye may be able to stand, 1 Corinthians 15:1: The gospel. wherein ye stand.

4.

The people of a church are so close to a minister that they have power to make his life happy or supremely miserable. The ministerial life and energy of even an apostle seemed dependent on the sympathy, faith, and steadfastness of the brethren. Elijah wanted to die when he thought that all the people had forsaken Jehovah. 1 Kings 19:4. John the apostle had no greater joy than to hear that his children walked in truth. 3 John 1:4.