Deeper Reflection
PAUL WAS ABLE TO SAY WITH HUMBLE CONFIDENCE TO the Thessalonians: “You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake” (v.5). This statement, along with other variant “You know” refrains in the letter (1 Thess 2:1, 5, 11), reflects the kind of relationship and ministry that Paul had with the Thessalonians. It was a relationship and ministry marked by depth. Paul shepherded them “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children” (1 Thess 2:7) and “like a father with his children” (1 Thess 2:11-12); and these new converts were “witnesses” – even as God was – to how Paul lived a “holy and righteous and blameless” life before them (1 Thess 2:10). Significantly, such depth of relationship and ministry was built in only a short time, and yet it made a vital contribution to the Thessalonians’ “standing fast in the Lord” amidst suffering “much affliction” (1 Thess 1:6; 3:8), and making a great impact on both believers and unbelievers “in Macedonia and in Achaia” (1 Thess 1:7-8). During his separation from the Thessalonians, Paul made attempts – “again and again” – to return to Thessalonica to continue building up the faith of his spiritual children (1 Thess 2:18). When he could not do so and “could bear it no longer”, he sent Timothy to go on his behalf (1 Thess 3:1-2). Behind Paul’s relentless attempts was the “great desire to see you face to face” (1 Thess 2:17). Such is a biblical model for disciplemaking and pastoral work.