1 Thessalonians 3:6

“But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you”

“But”: This section (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10), describes Paul's reaction to and the news that Timothy just had brought from Thessalonica. In contrast to all the former anxiety, the news from Thessalonica is good. “Even now”: “Just now” (Robertson p. 26). Indicating that this letter may have been written almost immediately after Paul had heard the good news from Timothy. “A hint for all those who tend to postpone answering important letters!” (Hendriksen p. 87). “Brought glad tidings of your faith and love”: Again, note what God considers really important. Whole-hearted trust and love for Him and an unselfish love for others is more important than physical health or financial security (Matthew 22:37; Matthew 7:12). We should be reminded that one cannot separate faith from love, without corrupting and destroying them both (Galatians 5:6; 1 Corinthians 13:1). Love without faith becomes merely sentimental and often worldly. Faith without love becomes cold, insensitive, and can result in. religion by rote. “And that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us”: “You are still holding me in affectionate remembrance” (Mon). “Even as we also to see you”: “And want to see us just as much as we want to see you” (Tay). At times the best shot in the arm that one can give another Christian, is one's own good example of faithfulness and mutual appreciation (Proverbs 25:25). The Thessalonians love Paul just as much as he loves them. Both of them equally love God and His truth. Now that is. Biblical definition of fellowship. “In view of their desire to have the missionary revisit them, there could be no question of their having turned away from his message” (Marshall p. 95).

“The Thessalonians had not allowed hostile propaganda to distort their recollections of the visit of the great Apostle. They still looked back on it with joy. They did more. They looked forward with eager longing to. reunion, and were just as anxious to see Paul again as he was to see them” (Morris p. 106).