1 Thessalonians 2:17 – 3:13 identifies two contrary actions against faith. Paul begins this narrative by identifying his great longing to visit the Thessalonians. The Greek verb, ἐπιθυμία or great-longing occurs thirty-eight times in the New Testament. The verb is translated only two times, 1 Thess 2:17 and Phil 1:23 with positive connotations. The remainder occurrences depict negative connotations. The Theological Dictionary of the New Testament (TDNT) denotes Paul using this term to reflect the root in man’s sinful actions or simply man’s disobedience to the command. Therefore, Paul’s longing compares to man’s longing for items outside the will of God. He possesses the same intense desire, but rather for the benefit and betterment of the Thessalonians. The betterment of the Thessalonians occurs by their faith in Christ. Their faith represents their “trust, confidence, and piety” in Christ. In this faith, they are present at the Lord’s coming and in the Lord’s presence at his coming. To ensure the Thessalonians’ faith in this manner, Paul sends Timothy to strengthen and encourage them. Paul’s longing prompts his action to ensure the betterment of the Thessalonians’ faith.
Paul’s action to protect the Thessalonians’ faith happens despite Satan’s hindrances. In fact, Paul endures Satan’s afflictions or “distress brought about by outward circumstances”. In historical context, TDNT denotes the verb, στέγω or endure as an activity or state, which blocks entry from without or exit from within. In this particular case, Paul battles to block Satan’s outward schemes. While battling, Paul fears that the Thessalonians would not be able to withstand Satan. For Paul notwithstanding Satan means that the Thessalonians falter or succumb to Satan’s temptations. These temptations reflect the desire of the sinful man. In this particular case, Satan attempts to inflict sinful desires upon the Thessalonians, while on the contrary, Paul desires to strengthen and encourage their faith. Both desires by Paul and inflicted by Satan, represent a great longing. Ultimately, Paul’s desire for the Thessalonians resolves to the completion of their faith, which allows the Thessalonians to stand in Christ’s presence at his coming. In this ability to stand, Paul possesses joy for the Thessalonians.
Continue Reading: Faith Completes its Works Pt. II
