1 Thessalonians 3:5

Observe here, 1. One special end why St. Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica, it was to know their faith, that is, their constancy in the faith; for he had. fear upon him lest Satan the tempter had taken occasion, from the present persecution they were under, to turn them from Christianity; and that by their yielding to his temptation, and apostatizing from the faith, his labour in the gospel had been in vain amongst them.

Here note, that the saints' persecutions are called temptations, and ascribed to Satan the tempter, who, by his ministers and instruments, endeavours to hinder the progress of the gospel, and by persecutions, to terrify and turn men from the profession of it.

Note further, that there is. holy jealousy in the minds of the faithful ministers of Christ, who, though they hope the best, yet are apt to fear the worst, with reference to the poor people, lest they should run in vain, and labour in vain amongst them; for though their labour shall not be in vain, with respect to themselves, their reward is with the Lord; (the careful nurse shall be paid, though the child dies at the breast;) yet, with respect to their people, they may be in vain, yea worse, for. testimony against them, Mark 6:11.

Observe, 2. How happily the apostle's fear was prevented, touching these Thessalonians, by the return of Timothy, and the good tidings which he carried along with him, of the stedfastness of their faith, of the fervency of their charity, and of their particular respect to himself, having always remembrance of him in their prayers, and making. repectful mention of his ministerial labours and diligence, and this always when they had occasion to speak of him.

And lastly, by their passionate and impatient desire to see him, (so much the original word signifies) to which he adds, that his desire was no less ardent to see them, though the providence of God had hitherto hindered him.

Learn hence, that the best tidings which can be brought to the ear of. faithful minister of Jesus Christ is this, that his people are sound and stedfast in the faith, maintainers of charity, and promoters of good works, and do account highly of, and honourably esteem the ministers and ambassadors of Jesus Christ; Timothy brought us good tidings of your faith, charity, and kind remembrance of us.

Learn farther, from the Thessalonians' fervent desire to see St. Paul, and he to see them, that Christian love doth earnestly long to evidence itself in Christian fellowship, and passionately desires the communion of saints, for the mutual comfort and spirtual advantage of each other; the sweetest privilege, next to communion with God, is communion with his saints.

O! What. pleasure is it, to behold the beautiful and blessed graces of the Holy Spirit of God, sparkling and shining in each other, exciting and quickening one another, acquainting each other with their experiences, and making known to each other their griefs, their doubts, and fears. No wonder then that the Thessalonians desired so passionately to see St. Paul, and he as earnestly to see them.