King James Version

What Does 1 Thessalonians 3:2 Mean?

1 Thessalonians 3:2 in the King James Version says “And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, ... — study this verse from 1 Thessalonians chapter 3 with commentary, cross-references, and original Greek word analysis.

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

1 Thessalonians 3:2 · KJV


Context

1

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2

And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto . there unto: or, to sufferings, or, to persecution

4

For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.


Commentary

KJV Study Commentary
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith—Timothy receives three titles: ton adelphon hēmōn kai diakonon tou Theou kai synergon hēmōn en tō euangeliō tou Christou (τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ συνεργὸν ἡμῶν ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, 'our brother and servant of God and our fellow-worker in the gospel of Christ'). These escalate: brother (family relationship), minister of God (divine calling), fellow-laborer (partnership in work). Despite Timothy's youth (1 Tim 4:12), Paul treats him as valued colleague, not subordinate.

To establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith (eis to stērixai hymas kai parakalesai hyper tēs pisteōs hymōn, εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλέσαι ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν)—stērizō (strengthen/establish) and parakaleō (comfort/encourage) define Timothy's mission. Young churches need both: doctrinal grounding (establishment) and emotional support (comfort) to withstand persecution. The phrase hyper tēs pisteōs (concerning the faith) can mean 'about your faith' or 'on behalf of your faith'—Timothy would both inform Paul about their faith and strengthen it.

KJV Study — Public Domain

Historical & Cultural Context

Timothy was Paul's most trusted disciple, converted on Paul's first missionary journey in Lystra (Acts 16:1-3), circumcised to facilitate Jewish ministry despite being half-Greek (Acts 16:3), and trained through accompanying Paul on missionary travels. Sending him to Thessalonica demonstrated both Timothy's trustworthiness and Paul's concern—he sent his most valuable coworker. Timothy's youth (perhaps mid-20s) didn't disqualify him from significant ministry. His report (v. 6) would bring Paul immense relief and joy, confirming the mission's success.

Reflection Questions

  1. How does Paul's treatment of young Timothy as valued colleague challenge age-based hierarchies in church leadership?
  2. What role do you play in 'establishing and comforting' other believers' faith, especially those facing trials?
  3. How can contemporary churches better deploy young, gifted leaders for significant ministry rather than limiting them to subordinate roles?

Original Language Analysis

Greek · 29 words
καὶ1 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

ἐπέμψαμεν2 of 29

sent

G3992

to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term

Τιμόθεον3 of 29

Timotheus

G5095

dear to god; timotheus, a christian

τὸν4 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

ἀδελφὸν5 of 29

brother

G80

a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)

ἡμῶν6 of 29

our

G2257

of (or from) us

καὶ7 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

διάκονον8 of 29

minister

G1249

an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)

τοῦ9 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

θεοῦ10 of 29

of God

G2316

a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)

καὶ11 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

συνεργὸν12 of 29

fellowlabourer

G4904

a co-laborer, i.e., coadjutor

ἡμῶν13 of 29

our

G2257

of (or from) us

ἐν14 of 29

in

G1722

"in," at, (up-)on, by, etc

τῷ15 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

εὐαγγελίῳ16 of 29

the gospel

G2098

a good message, i.e., the gospel

τοῦ17 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

Χριστοῦ18 of 29

of Christ

G5547

anointed, i.e., the messiah, an epithet of jesus

εἰς19 of 29

to

G1519

to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases

τὸ20 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

στηρίξαι21 of 29

establish

G4741

to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm

ὑμᾶς22 of 29

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

καὶ23 of 29

And

G2532

and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words

παρακαλέσαι24 of 29

to comfort

G3870

to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)

ὑμᾶς25 of 29

you

G5209

you (as the objective of a verb or preposition)

περὶ26 of 29

concerning

G4012

properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas

τῆς27 of 29
G3588

the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)

πίστεως28 of 29

faith

G4102

persuasion, i.e., credence; moral conviction (of religious truth, or the truthfulness of god or a religious teacher), especially reliance upon christ

ὑμῶν29 of 29

your

G5216

of (from or concerning) you


Study Guide

Historical Context

This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.

Theological Significance

1 Thessalonians 3:2 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.

Cross-References

Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 3:2 from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge

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