1 Thessalonians 3:10

Text (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

Transhtion and Paraphrase

10.

(For we do pray) night and day, more than can be measured, asking (God to make it possible for us) to see your face (once again), and to perfect the things which are lacking in your faith.

Notes (1 Thessalonians 3:10)

1.

Paul candidly states in this verse that the faith of the Thessalonians was imperfect. He indicates in Chapter s four and five what some of the things were which were lacking in their faith.

2.

Perhaps it seems rather blunt to tell someone, as Paul told the Thessalonians, I want to come and see you, so I can perfect your understanding and development. This is especially so in matters of religion, where usually every man's way is clean in his own eyes. Proverbs 16:2. But undoubtedly the Thessalonians had the right attitude, and knew very well that they were imperfect in faith and knowledge. They doubtless would have been extremely glad to have had Paul instruct them further.

3.

Paul prayed exceedingly, The word means superabundantly, beyond measure.

4.

The way Paul prayed day and night concerning the Thessalonians reminds us of the way King David often prayed in the night, Psalms 119:55. Have you ever awakened in the night, and found yourself thinking about God's law and desiring to pray to God?

5.

New converts are only spiritual babes. 1 Peter 2:2; Hebrews 5:13; 1 Corinthians 3:1. New converts need to be taught to observe all the things which Jesus commanded us. Matthew 28:20, They need to recognize their limited knowledge and development in spiritual things. They should not be appointed to positions of leadership in churches. 1 Timothy 3:6; 1 Timothy 3:10. However, they can grow rapidly. And when they have been taught, they should not hold back from serving Christ just because they feel inadequate for the work of witnessing for Christ.

6.

Paul prayed for two things concerning the Thessalonians:

(1)

That he might see their face.

(2)

That he might perfect that which was lacking in their faith.

7.

The prayer of Paul that he might get to visit the Thessalonians

was answered in due time, for Paul visited Thessalonica on his third missionary trip, and again afterwards. See Introductory Section VI, paragraphs 27 and 28.