and sent Timothy, our brother and minister and fellow laborer of God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,
Truth to Learn
Christians are called both to grow in faith and to serve God through faith.
Behind the Words
The verb “sent” is from pempō, which means “to send.” The emphasis of this verb is on the point of departure, rather than the destination.
“Minister” is translated from diakonos (from which we get our English word “deacon”). This word is probably derived from diakō, meaning “to run an errand.” Therefore, diakonos refers to “a helper” or “an assistant.”
The words “fellow laborer” are from the Greek word sunergos, which is made up of sun, meaning “with” or “together with” and ergon, meaning “work” or “labor.” Thus, sunergos refers to “someone who labors together with someone else.”
Stēridzō is the word translated “establish.” It is based on the word histēmi, meaning “to stand” or “to set in place.” Stēridzō means “to set firmly in place” or “to firmly establish.”
“Encourage” is from the Greek verb parakaleō. This word is made up of para, meaning “to the side of” and kaleō, meaning “to call.” Thus, parakaleō literally means “to call alongside.” It is a picture of a coach or mentor who comes alongside an athlete to give advice, to comfort, to challenge, and to encourage.
Meaning Explained
We learned in yesterday’s verse that Paul endured his separation from the saints in Thessalonica as long as he could. Since he had been prevented from returning there himself, he sent Timothy to them. He refers to Timothy as a “brother” in the faith and as “an assistant.” Notice, however, that Paul does not refer to Timothy as “his” assistant, but as God’s assistant. Paul recognizes that he is not working for himself, but for God. He also recognizes that everything that he has, in terms of all things necessary for him to accomplish his task, are supplied by God. Therefore, even the people who work alongside him and assist him are not working for Paul, bur for the One who calls each one of us to our ministry. He refers to Timothy as “God’s fellow laborer” because he is God’s worker who works “with” not “for” Paul.
In today’s verse Paul explains what Timothy’s assigned task is. It is two-fold: to ensure that the believers in Thessalonica are firmly grounded in the faith, and to be a coach for them. It was Timothy’s job to instruct and challenge these Christians to become more Christ-like as they grow in their faith. However, it was also his responsibility to encourage and comfort them through the growing pains and difficult times of their Christian walk.
It’s also important to note that Paul’s concern for the young Christians in Thessalonica did not focus on health, wealth, ease of life, or even self-esteem. Instead, he focused on the spiritual quality of their lives.
Application
We see two aspects of the Christian life in this verse, growing and serving. Any Christian who is not doing both of these is not being obedient to his or her Lord and Master. When you stand before Him will you be ashamed about what you haven’t done or rewarded for what you have done?
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2016 Will Krause. All rights reserved