Comfort and Encouragement
In Paul’s teaching about the end times, he instructs the Thessalonians to “encourage one another with these words” (1 Thessalonians 4:18). Paul’s desire for believers in Christ to be encouraged and comforted in the midst of suffering and persecution is central to his writings. The Greek word translated here “encourage” (
parakaleo) shows up ten times in his two short letters to the Thessalonians. Sometimes, Paul speaks of encouragement in the emotional sense as he writes about someone’s heart being comforted. Other times, Paul is encouraging people to do something.
Read the following verses and note what Paul does to encourage the persecuted and confused believers in Thessalonica:
- 1 Thess. 1:2; 2 Thess. 1:11-12
- 1 Thess. 1:3, 7; 2 Thess. 1:4
- 2 Thess. 1:5-10
- 1 Thess. 3:1-3
- 1 Thess. 4:13; 2 Thess. 2:1-3, 5
What are some things Paul encourages the Thessalonians to do?
- 1 Thess. 2:12
- 1 Thess. 5:11
- 2 Thess. 3:13
Comforting someone and urging them to do something may seem like two different things, especially in a therapeutic culture where supporting someone and challenging their actions or beliefs are often seen as contradictory. But Scripture and experience show that the kind of comfort that brings peace and even joy is a result of a correct understanding of what is true and of right living. As Dr. Dan Lacich explains in Thirdmill’s video
Paul and the Thessalonians:
At the end of chapter 3 of 1 Thessalonians, Paul gives what almost seems like a benediction to the Thessalonians of his desire for them to grow in holiness in Christ and to live a blameless life in Christ. Because he wants them to succeed. He wants them to be a great witness for Christ. And he wants them to enjoy all of the blessings that come with being a follower of Christ. And so, I think you see the real love that Paul has for them poured out in those words because it shows what he ultimately wants them to become and how he wants them to succeed. And all the problems that they may be having in the moment, that’s not going to deflect that love at all. In fact, if anything, I think it stirs it up even more that he yearns for them to really be conformed into holiness and Christ-likeness for their own well-being and their own joy.
