Paul testifies his great love to the Thessalonians, partly by sending Timothy to them to strengthen and comfort them; partly by rejoicing in their well doing, 1-9; and partly by praying for them and desiring a safe coming to them, 10-13.
1 Therefore, when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone, 2 And sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God and our fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith, 3 So that no man should be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to it. 4 For truly, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass, and you know. 5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter may have tempted you and our labor be in vain.
6 But now when Timothy came from you to us and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you, 7 Therefore, brothers, by your faith we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God again for you for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God, 10 Night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, even as we do toward you, 13 To the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.
Matthew Henry Commentary - 1st Thessalonians, Chapter 3[➚]