seekeroftruth
Well-Known Member
1 Thessalonians 2:17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you. 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan blocked our way. 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown in which we will glory in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory and joy.
1 Thessalonians 3:1 So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.
Here's the commentary for chapter 2.
Satan hindered us: Paul, in all his apostolic ministry and authority, could still be blocked by Satan. But Paul did not just receive this Satanic hindrance in a fatalistic way. He did something about the hindrance.
And the commentary for chapter 3 gave me this.
That no one should be shaken by these afflictions: As the Thessalonians were established and encouraged, they would not be shaken by these afflictions. Timothy’s ministry would help them to endure their present hardship.
We told you before when we were with you: When Paul was with the Thessalonians (just a few months before writing this letter) he warned them they would suffer tribulation. Though he was only with them a few weeks, he taught them about the place of suffering in the Christian life.
We would suffer tribulation: In Jesus’ parable of the soils (Matthew 13:1-23), He described the way that some fall away when tribulation or persecution arises because of the Word — Jesus said when tribulation arises, and not if tribulation comes. The Christian’s faith will be tested. Paul knew this, and as a good pastor, he warned the Thessalonians.
Now before you go quoting Paul by saying "Satan made me late", we need to figure out just how important Paul and Satan are.Yes... I Believe that Satan is busy persecuting the church. I also believe he was busy back in the days of Paul.
I don't believe, however, that one human is so important that Satan would work to make one human miserable, since he failed so miserably to change Job's love of God.
I Believe Satan would attack the church.... by attacking Paul, but not Paul himself. The Word is what Satan hates, not some mere longwinded human.
Satan doesn't want anyone to spread the Word. That annoys him. Jesus and Job are two thorns in Satan's "do what I say" declaration. If Job can withstand what he did.... and Jesus can just walk out of a tomb of solid rock.... Satan can only persecute.
If you are really being persecuted by Satan.... You must be one special human. Job lost his whole family, livestock and home... and he didn't blame it on God. No matter how hard Satan tried... He could not shake Job's love for God.
Satan's a moron though... He keeps trying the same methods, expecting different results. Satan's like a busy fly. He can annoy and bite... but he can't kill. God won't let him.
Paul knew the Jews were giving the Thessalonians a hard time about not being "the chosen ones". The Jews were sure they were the only ones who could be Christians because their thingy was cut, their diets were correct, and God brought them out of the desert by sending Moses. Their heads were so big, they could not believe that God would love anyone but them.... even though they broke His Commandments every day.
So, since Paul was under house arrest, Timothy would travel. Timothy was just a boy.... a teenager. His mom was a Christian though. He was raised in a Christian home. Timothy was a good man and he loved the Lord. Paul had seen Timothy work and knew he would deliver the message and encourage the Thessalonians to keep on keeping on.
Please don't quote Paul saying "Satan made me late".
It'll give you a longwinded big head!
