1 Thessalonians 3:2
What does 1 Thessalonians 3:2 mean?
A plain-English look at 1 Thessalonians 3:2 in WEB alongside six other public-domain English translations, with cross-references and chapter context.
What 1 Thessalonians 3:2 means
Paul sent Timothy, whom he calls both a brother and God’s servant in the gospel. This highlights Timothy’s character and calling: he is family in Christ and an authorized worker under God, not merely Paul’s assistant. Timothy’s mission is pastoral and stabilizing—to strengthen the Thessalonians and encourage them about their faith. New believers, especially under pressure, need firm grounding and tender comfort. Establishing them means reinforcing truth and practice so they are not easily shaken. Comforting them means applying the gospel to their fears and sorrows. Paul values people over convenience, entrusting Timothy to build up what persecution tries to tear down, ensuring their faith matures rather than withers.
Parallel translations
WEB
World English Bible · 2000and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;
KJV
King James Version · 1611And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
ASV
American Standard Version · 1901and sent Timothy, our brother and God’s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;
BBE
Bible in Basic English · 1949We sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the good news of Christ, to give you strength and comfort in your faith;
YLT
Young's Literal Translation · 1862and did send Timotheus--our brother, and a ministrant of God, and our fellow-workman in the good news of the Christ--to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith,
DRA
Douay-Rheims (Challoner) · 1752And we sent Timothy, our brother and the minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and exhort you concerning your faith:
DBY
Darby Bible · 1890and sent Timotheus, our brother and fellow-workman underGod in the glad tidings of Christ, to confirm you and encourage [you] concerning your faith,
Context
Having stated his decision to act, Paul now explains the means: he dispatched Timothy with a clear purpose. Verse 2 bridges Paul’s inner anxiety (verse 1) and the church’s outward trials (verse 3). The mention of Timothy prepares for the later report he brings back (verse 6). Recognizing Timothy’s role as God’s servant helps the reader see that this mission is not mere human strategy but divinely oriented care, setting up Paul’s gratitude and prayer in verses 9–13.
Cross references
Related passages from across Scripture, drawn from the Treasury of Scripture Knowledge.
- Ephesians 6:21
But that ye also may know my affairs, how I do, Tychicus, the beloved brother and faithful minister in the Lord, shall make known to you all things:
- Colossians 4:12
Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, saluteth you, always striving for you in his prayers, that ye may stand perfect and fully assured in all the will of God.
- 2 Corinthians 2:13
I had no relief for my spirit, because I found not Titus my brother: but taking my leave of them, I went forth into Macedonia.
- Colossians 1:7
even as ye learned of Epaphras our beloved fellow-servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on our behalf,
- 1 Thessalonians 3:13
to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
- Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus through the will of God, and Timothy our brother,
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