1 Thessalonians 3:6

Text (1 Thessalonians 3:6)

6 But when Timothy came even now unto us from you, and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also to see you;

Translation and Paraphrase

6.

But now since Timothy has come (back) to us from you, and told us the good news about (your steadfast) faith and your love, and (how) that you have (such affectionate and) good recollection of us at all times, desiring to see us, just as we also (desire to see) you (again),

Notes (1 Thessalonians 3:6)

1.

As cold water to a thirsty soul, so is good news from a far country. Proverbs 25:25. The news which Timothy brought back to Paul from Thessalonica was fully that refreshing to him.

2.

This verse (1 Thessalonians 3:6) starts a new section in the outline, entitled joy upon Timothy's return. (1 Thessalonians 3:6-10).

3.

Timothy and Silas came to Paul in Corinth. Acts 18:1; Acts 18:5. It Was there that he wrote I & II Thessalonians.

4.

The fact that Paul writes, Now when Timothy came, seems to indicate that he sat down and wrote this letter almost immediately upon Timothy's return.

5.

Here is what Timothy's report about the Thessalonians contained:

(1)

Good news about their faith (inward religion).

(2)

Good news about their love (outward religion).

(The word translated charity actually means love.)

(3)

The report that they had good remembrance of Paul always.

(4)

Also the news that they desired to see Paul again.

This was an encouraging report in every way.

6.

You have no doubt often heard it said that the phrase preach the gospel means bring good news. That is true, and this meaning is clearly pointed out in this verse. Paul uses the same word (euaggelidzo) to describe Timothy's bringing a good report to him, that is used in many other places to describe preaching the gospel of Christ. Timothy's report was good news of one kind. The gospel is also good news, but of a greater kind.