1 Thessalonians 3: Group Study Handout

How to use: read 1 Thessalonians 3 aloud together, then take the questions in order. One page is enough for an evening.

Overview

Paul, unable to endure uncertainty about the Thessalonians, remains in Athens while sending Timothy to help them (vv. 1-2). He wants to assure them that afflictions are part of their calling, as he had previously informed them (vv.

Key verse

“For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.”
1 Thessalonians 3:8 (WEB)

Outline

1 Thessalonians 3:1–2 Paul's Concern and Action
1 Thessalonians 3:3–5 Afflictions and Assurance
1 Thessalonians 3:6–7 Timothy's Report
1 Thessalonians 3:8–10 Joy and Ongoing Prayer
1 Thessalonians 3:11–13 Prayer for Love and Holiness

Discussion questions

In v6, what does Timothy bring back from the Thessalonians?
In v10, what does Paul desire to perfect in the Thessalonians' faith?
Paul's mention of 'affliction' in v4: what does this suggest about their experience?
The phrase 'stand fast in the Lord' in v8: what does this imply about faith's stability?
When have you felt a strong desire to 'see your face' (v10) with someone important?

Go deeper

Passages that echo 1 Thessalonians 3: Philippians 1, 1 Corinthians 15, 1 Corinthians 16.

Before next time: read 1 Thessalonians 4.