BUT NOW THAT TIMOTHY HAS COME
TO US FROM YOU, AND HAS BROUGHT US GOOD NEWS OF YOUR FAITH AND LOVE: Arti de elthontos (AAPMSG) Timotheou pros
hemas
aph' humon kai euaggelisamenou (AMPMSG) hemin ten pistin kai ten
agapen humon:
(Acts
18:1,5) (Proverbs
25:25;
Isaiah 52:7;
2 Corinthians 7:5-7)
(1 Corinthians
13:13;
Galatians 5:6;
Colossians 1:4;
2 Thessalonians 1:3;
1 Timothy 1:5;
Philemon 1:5;
1 John 3:23)
Now (737)(arti) marks the point of time as related to the past or to the
future whereas another Greek word nun also translated "now" marks the point of time absolutely.
Matthew uses arti in his sentence "from the
days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven
suffers violence" (Mt 11:12).
Timothy has come to us from you
- Paul had been alone at Athens (1Thessalonians
3:1) where he had issued
a "command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible"
(Acts 17:15). He had subsequently moved on to Corinth (Acts
18:1) by the time
Timothy returned with the good news (Acts
18:5).
The return of Timothy with his
report formed the immediate occasion for the writing of this letter
and is one of the ways exemplary follow up was carried out by Paul.
The good news was refreshing
to Paul's spirit which is just the effect Solomon stated should occur
writing that...
Like cold water to a weary soul, so
is good news from a distant land. (Proverbs
25:25) (Comment:
Have you given a "cup of
cold water" to anyone recently?)
The good report of Timothy that the
Thessalonians had not failed under testing but were standing firm in
their faith convinced Paul that their conversion was genuine and they
were God's elect, a truth he was then able to write with
assurance in this letter...
knowing (absolute beyond of a
shadow a doubt knowledge), brethren beloved by God, His choice
("election") of you (see note
1Thessalonians 1:4)
Notice that this affirmation of
their election in chapter 1 was made after the
confirmatory evidence was received from Timothy. Paul's experience of
unrest concerning the reality of their conversion dated to the time
prior to the reception of Timothy's report, but now he was convinced
that they had experienced an exemplary conversion.
Has brought us good news
(2097)
(euaggelizo/euangelizo
from eu = good, well
+ aggéllo = proclaim, tell; English = evangelize) means to
announce good news concerning something. Euaggelizo was often
used in the
Septuagint
for preaching a glad or joyful
message -- in other words, it meant any message calculated to have a
cheering effect on those who receive it
(see
Septuagint
use by pagans
regarding "good news" of Saul's death 1Sa 31:9; 2Sa 4:10).
Their faith and love
was good news for as Paul wrote later to Timothy...
the goal of our instruction is love
from a pure heart and a good conscience and a sincere faith. (1Ti 1:5)
The great evangelist was
himself "evangelized" (given good news) by Timothy's wonderful
report!
Euaggelizo/euangelizo in
its original sense could be used to refer to a declaration of any kind
of good news, but in the NT it (with 2 exceptions - the present verse
and the one below in Luke 1) (note: some mention
Revelation 10:7 as another
exception but see
notes on that verse) refers especially to the glad tidings of
the coming kingdom of God and of salvation obtained through Jesus
Christ's death, burial and resurrection. Most of NT uses of
euaggelizo are translated "preach" or "preach the gospel,"
whichever fits more smoothly into the context. Below is the second
NT passage that illustrates the original meaning of simply to "bring glad
tidings" or "bring good news" of any nature...
Lu 1:19 And the angel
answered and said to him (Zacharias), "I am Gabriel, who stands in the
presence of God; and I have been sent to speak to you, and to bring
you this good news. (that he would have a son, John the
Baptist).
Hiebert comments that instead of using euaggelizo...
He might instead of it have used "reported," but he prefers this
expressive term to convey the cheerful effect the report had on its
recipients. Elsewhere Paul always uses this verb to mean the preaching
of the good news of the gospel. The news Timothy brought was so good
that it was a veritable gospel to him. Of course that report was not a
part of the gospel message but did announce the outworking of the
gospel in the lives of the Thessalonian converts. It was good news
concerning the good news they had preached at Thessalonica. (Hiebert,
D. Edmond: 1 & 2 Thessalonians: BMH Book. 1996) (Bolding
adde)
Your faith and love - John Calvin writes that...
In these two words (faith and love) he states concisely the sum total
of godliness. All who aim at this double mark are beyond the danger of
error for the whole of their life. (Calvin adds that) All
pastors are reminded by this of the kind of relationship which ought
to exist between them and the church. When things go well with the
Church, they are to count themselves happy, even though in other
respects they are surrounded by much distress. On the other hand,
however, if they see the building which they have constructed falling
down, they are to die of grief and sorrow, even though in other
respects there is good success and prosperity.
EBC comments that...
The report was both spiritual and personal. Spiritually, they had
progressed in faith and love; their trust in God had been sufficient
for their difficulties. Yet room for improvement remained (cf. notes
1Thessalonians 3:10).
Likewise their progress in loving others was uplifting news, though
even here there was also room for growth (cf. notes
1Thessalonians 3:12;
4:9,
4:10). (Gaebelein,
F, Editor: Expositor's Bible Commentary 6-Volume New Testament.
Zondervan Publishing)
Faith
(4102)(pistis)
indicates that the Thessalonians had not just made an intellectual
decision for Christ, but that they were firmly persuaded and convicted
of the truth of the Gospel that Christ had died for their sins, was
buried and rose on the third day according to the OT Scriptures.
Furthermore they had surrendered to that truth and
had a walk or
conduct that was consistent with
their surrender or as James 2:14-26 would say, they had works that
demonstrated the authenticity of their faith. In short, faith shows
itself genuine by a changed life and Timothy brought Paul the good
news that these godless, hopeless, pagan Gentiles (see the Gentiles
former abysmal condition in
Ephesians 2:12)
had turned from idols to serve a living and true God and were looking
expectantly for Jesus' return (which served as a powerful motive to
order their steps accordingly, cf 1John 2:28, see note
1 Peter 1:17)
(see
related topic on the
obedience of faith)
(See also work of faith...labor of love in note on
1Thessalonians 1:3)
Although Paul
linked faith and love together in many NT passages, one
that is very apropos regarding the good news of the Thessalonians is
from Galatians...
For in Christ Jesus neither
circumcision nor uncircumcision means anything, but faith
working (energeo) through love. (Galatians 5:6)
(Comment: Nothing done or not done in the flesh, no matter how
outwardly pious appearing and ceremoniously religious, makes any
difference in one’s relationship to God. What is external is
immaterial and worthless, unless it reflects genuine internal
righteousness wrought in a transformed heart by the Spirit as the
saint abides in the Vine, Christ Jesus {John 15:5}. The point is that
saving faith proves its genuine character by works of love. The one
who lives by faith is internally motivated by love for God and Christ
{Mt 22:37-40}, which supernaturally issues forth in reverent worship,
genuine obedience, and self-sacrificing love for others. And this was
the good news Paul received from Timothy regarding the saints in
Thessalonica.) (Compare similar good news Paul received regarding the
saints at Colossae - see note
Colossians 1:4)
Love
(26)(agape)
describes their unconditional, sacrificial love, the same love that
God is (1Jn
4:8,16) and that God shows (Jn
3:16,
1Jn 4:9). It follows that this
quality of supernatural, divine love is only made possible by the
indwelling and enabling of the Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22). The only way
the Thessalonians could demonstrate to Timothy a love like Christ was
by yielding to His Spirit and allowing Him to live His life through
them and that same principle applies to us as believers today.
Agape love does not
depend on the world’s criteria for love, such as attractiveness,
emotions, or sentimentality.
Agape is volitional
Phileo is emotional
Biblical agape love
is the love of choice, the love of serving with humility, the highest
kind of love, the noblest kind of devotion, the love of the will
(intentional, a conscious choice). Agape is not based on
pleasant emotions or good feelings that might result from a physical
attraction or a familial bond. Agape chooses as an act of
self-sacrifice to serve the recipient. From all of the descriptions of
agape love, it is clear that true agape love is a sure
mark of salvation and thus this news was indeed very good news to
Paul's ears!
Hiebert comments that...
Faith speaks of their characteristic attitude Godward, while
love is their characteristic attitude manward. Their faith
had its most significant exhibition in love toward others,
especially their Christian brethren. If their faith separated
them from the world, their love united them more closely to
each other. The two terms summarize their religious and ethical
excellence. The two must always go together. "Paul's formula 'faith
working through love' (Gal 5:6) expresses the intimate
relationship between the two qualities.' (
Ibid)
AND THAT YOU ALWAYS THINK
KINDLY OF US, LONGING TO SEE US JUST AS WE ALSO LONG
TO SEE YOU: kai hoti echete (2PPAI) mneian hemon agathen pantote,
epipothountes (PAPMPN) hemas idein (AAN) kathaper kai hemeis humas:
(1Thes
1:3;
2:9;
1 Corinthians 11:2;
Colossians 4:18;
2 Timothy 1:3;
Hebrews 13:3,7)
(1Thes
3:9,10;
2:17;
Philippians 1:8)
Always (3842)
(pantote from pás = all + tóte = then, at the
time that) means at all times or on all occasions. How fitting is this description of the
Thessalonians saints, for in chapter 1 pantote describes the
missionaries' giving of thanks writing...
We give thanks to God always
(pantote) for all of you, making mention of you in our prayers (see
note
1Thessalonians 1:2)
Compare Paul's letter to
Philemon...
I thank my God always, making
mention of you in my prayers, because I hear of your love, and of the
faith which you have toward the Lord Jesus, and toward all the saints
(Philemon 1:4-5)
Always think kindly of us -
Literally he says they "always have a good remembrance of us", the
present tense
signifying this was
the Thessalonian saints' continuing heart attitude toward the
missionaries. How encouraging for Paul to know that the Thessalonians
looking back on his visit with such fond memories. Have you ever
written someone to let them know you are thinking kindly of them?
Swete comments
Loving remembrance of former
teachers is a Christian duty, and, in connection with faith and love,
a fair evidence of Christian character.
Think (memory)(3417)(mneia) means a recalling to mind
or memory and thus a
recollection or remembrance. It means to recall information from
memory, but without necessarily the implication that persons have
actually forgotten.
A review of Paul's uses of mneia below
shows they are all in the context of prayer or praying specifically
for someone, making mention of them in prayer
Here the noun mneia is
combined with the verb for have or hold (echo) which is literally
rendered "have memory" or "maintain a recollection" and figuratively means to hold in one's
remembrance or think of someone.
The writer of Hebrews instructed
the saints to...
Remember
(present
imperative
= continually) those who led you,
who spoke the word of God to you and considering the result of their
conduct, imitate their faith. (see notes
Hebrews 13:7)
(Comment: The saints in Thessalonica heeded both of these
commands admirably and to the glory of God.)
Paul was always thankful to be
remembered by the saints, writing to the Corinthians...
Now I praise you because you
remember me in everything, and hold firmly to the traditions (oral
teachings - there were no "Bible" for most believers at this time),
just as I delivered them to you. (1 Corinthians 11:2)
Mneia is distinctly Pauline
word, used 7 times by him in the NT...
Romans 1:9 (note)
For God, whom I serve in my spirit in the preaching of the gospel of
His Son, is my witness as to how unceasingly I make (poieo) mention
(mneia) of you,
Ephesians 1:16 (note)
do not cease giving thanks for you, while making (poieo) mention
(mneia) of you in my
prayers;
Philippians 1:3 (note)
I thank my God in all my remembrance of you
1Thessalonians 1:2 (note)
We give thanks to God always for all of you, making (poieo) mention
(mneia) of you in
our prayers;
1Thessalonians 3:6
(note) But now that
Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your
faith and love, and that you always think (echo + mneia = hold
in remembrance or memory) kindly of us, longing to see
us just as we also long to see you,
2 Timothy 1:3 (note)
I thank God, whom I serve with a clear conscience the way my
forefathers did, as I constantly remember (echo + mneia = hold
in remembrance) you in my prayers night and
day,
Philemon 1:4 I thank my God
always, making (poieo) mention (mneia) of you in my prayers
Mneia is use 10 times in the
Septuagint (LXX)
(Deut. 7:18; Job
14:13; Ps. 111:4; Isa. 23:16; 26:8; 32:10; Jer. 31:20; Ezek. 21:32;
25:10; Zech. 13:2). Here is a representative use in a prophetic
promise from the Covenant keeping God...
Jeremiah 31:20 "Is Ephraim
My dear son? Is he a delightful child? Indeed, as often as I have
spoken against him, I certainly still remember (literally = a
verb + mneia = remember remembrance) him; Therefore My heart yearns
for him; I will surely have mercy on him," declares the LORD.
Kindly (18)
(agathos)
means intrinsically good,
inherently good in quality but with the idea of good which is also
profitable, useful, benefiting others, benevolent (marked by or
disposed to doing good).
Agathos is one whose
goodness and works of goodness are transferred to others. Good and
doing good is the idea. Agathos describes that which is
beneficial in addition to being good. Agathos is that which is
good in its character, beneficial in its effects and/or useful in its
action. Agathos describes the believer's deeds that remain and
withstand being tested by fire at the Judgment Seat of Christ (1Cor
3:12-13)
Paul uses
agathos in his prayer for the Thessalonians in his second epistle
praying...
Now may our Lord Jesus Christ
Himself and God our Father, Who has loved us and given us eternal
comfort and good (agathos) hope by grace, comfort and
strengthen your hearts in every good work and word. (2Thes 2:16-17) (Comment:
Here the hope is classified as intrinsically good because of
its cheering and sustaining effect on the believer who cherishes it.)
Longing (1971) (epipotheo
from epi = an intensifier, epi = upon marks
direction of the desire + potheo = to yearn) means to have a
strong desire for something, with implication of need. It mean to long
for, have great affection for, yearn for someone or something, desire
earnestly, long for greatly, intensely crave possession.
Vincent
comments that the prefixed preposition epi
does not mark the intensity of the
desire, but its direction.
Epipotheo describes the yearning of personal affection of the Thessalonians
for their spiritual parents. The fact that the Thessalonian believers
were continually (present
tense) "longing
to see them" revealed their affectionate attitude toward the
missionaries. The Thessalonians clearly cherished the memories of
Paul's time with them and were strongly desirous of his fellowship
with them again.
Richison writes that...
The desire of the gospel team is
reciprocal to the Thessalonians’. They felt the pain of enforced
separation just as much as Paul desired to see them. There is a mutual
love between the gospel team and the Thessalonians. It is always
encouraging to a father’s heart to know that his children walk
according to the principles of the family. (Ref)
As John wrote...
I have no greater joy than to hear
that my children walk in truth (3 John 4)
Paul used
epipotheo to express his desire to be with Jesus writing
For indeed in this house we groan,
longing (epipotheo) to be clothed with our dwelling from
heaven. (2Cor
5:2)
The use of
epipotheo in the psalm helps paint a beautiful picture...
Psalm 42:1 As the deer pants
(epipotheo = present tense = continually) for the water brooks, so my
soul pants (epipotheo = present tense = continually) for Thee,
O God
Just as (2509)(kathaper
from katha = as + per = very) serves as an
emphatic marker of comparison (see
terms of comparison)
between events and states and is translated with the following
phrases - even as, as well as, according as, just as.
Paul writes that this longing for reunion and
fellowship was mutual, where just as marks the longing as equal
on both sides.
See (
1492)
(eido) literally means perception by sight (perceive, see) as
in Mt 2:2 where the wise men "saw His star".
Paul expressed a similar longing for the saints at
Philippi some 100 miles northeast of Thessalonica and the site of his
first successful "church plant" in Europe...
For
God is my witness, how I long (epipotheo)
for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus. (see note
Philippians 1:8)
(Comment: What a miracle of divine grace for this heretofore
proud Pharisee to have tender heart-longings for these former pagan
idol worshiping Gentiles!)
