When Jesus comes with all His saints

 

When Jesus comes with all His saints

 

1 Thessalonians 3:1–3: “Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we thought it best to be left alone in Athens, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we were appointed for this.”

In the Revised Korean Version (KRV), the phrase “could bear it no longer” is an inaccurate translation. The Greek term *mēketi stegontes* (μηκέτι στέγοντες) consists of *mēketi*—meaning “no longer”—and *stegontes*, which carries the sense of “covering” or “placing a roof over” something. Paul is essentially saying that he has not yet finished the task of “placing a roof” [over the believers]. This “roofing” signifies the full proclamation of the gospel of Jesus Christ, intended to bring the believers to the point of becoming complete, mature people in Christ. Paul is describing the state of the church in Thessalonica; he chooses to remain in Athens while sending Timothy to ensure that the complete gospel is delivered.

The Greek word translated here as “afflictions” is *thlipsesin* (θλίψεσιν), which carries the sense of “pushing” or “pressing.” Paul is urging the Thessalonian church—encouraging them to summon a little more strength so they might be fully equipped with the gospel of Christ—because they are not yet quite there. However, this “pushing” by Paul creates conflict; some within the church do not welcome his efforts to “push” them toward the “Most Holy Place” within their own spirits. Thus, the term translated as "tribulation" refers to an inner conflict or struggle—a state of agitation within the heart. This explains the reason for sending Timothy. The "tribulation" mentioned in verse 4 of chapter 3 carries the same meaning; it signifies the perseverance one maintains while abiding in the presence of the Lord.

1 Thessalonians 3:4–7: "For, in fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer tribulation (*thlibesthai*); and as you know, it has so come to pass. For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you and our labor might have been in vain. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, bringing us the good news of your faith and love, and reporting that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we also long to see you—therefore, brothers, in all our distress (*anankē*) and tribulation (*thlipsei*), we have been comforted (*paraklēthēmen*) concerning you through your faith."

*Thlibesthai* (θλίβεσθαι) signifies entering into the presence of the Lord.

*Anankē* (ἀνάγκῃ) implies an "arm from above," while *thlipsei* (θλίψει) suggests a "pushing" or "pressing" force. Together, these terms denote God’s compelling, sovereign action—a movement that draws one into the embrace of His arm. Seeing this state of the believers in the Thessalonian church, Paul himself was comforted.

*Paraklēthēmen* (παρεκλήθημεν) carries the meaning of receiving encouragement or exhortation. 1 Thessalonians 3:8–9: “For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord. For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God?”

The word *ean* (ἐὰν) is a conditional particle, implying a hypothetical scenario (even if it were otherwise unlikely). It carries the sense of “if—as is the case—you stand fast.”

The term *zōmen* (ζῶμεν) refers to being alive—possessing life. It signifies the restoration of spiritual life to those who were once dead. While this is an incredibly difficult task, the passage suggests that if you stand firm in the Lord, you become capable of bringing spiritual life to others. This is why the exhortation is given. Paul rejoices in this, viewing it as a way to offer thanksgiving to God.

1 Thessalonians 3:10–12: “Night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith! Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all people, just as we do to you.”

Paul perceives that they have not yet reached completion, and thus he desires to supply what is still lacking in their faith. *Agape* is a love of supreme value. Paul asserts that the most valuable endeavor is the proclamation of the gospel of the cross of Jesus Christ. Therefore, *agape* is found in embracing the gospel of the cross and living a life united with Jesus Christ through that cross. In other words, *agape* is the act of restoring a dead spirit to life—a restoration made possible by the price paid through the blood of Jesus Christ. When we engage in the work of enlivening the spirits of others, we are participating in the death of Jesus Christ upon the cross. While such a task requires great dedication and effort, it is not merely that dedication and effort that constitute *agape*; rather, it is this very participation in the cross of Jesus that is *agape*.

1 Thessalonians 3:13 states: "May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless and holy in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes [parousia] with all his holy ones."

*Parousia* (παρουσίᾳ) signifies the presence of the Lord. Although it is often translated as "coming"—which might lead one to think exclusively of the Second Coming of Jesus—it also refers to the presence of *ho Logos* (the Word) within the heart of a believer. When one approaches *ho Logos*—who dwells within the believer’s heart—one becomes holy and blameless. This is much like the high priest, who, having been sanctified (through a sacrifice offered for himself), enters into the Most Holy Place.