Thursday 20th February
Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5
“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 labours might have been in vain.” (NIVUK)
Commentators have spent much time reconciling Paul and his co-workers movements around the eastern Mediterranean using the letters and Luke’s account in Acts. The motives behind the movements of the apostolic witness are just as enlightening. Paul writes to the Thessalonians to explain why he hasn’t returned (he was prevented) but also to emphasise that his desire to see them was overwhelming. That was why he sent Timothy.
But consider the reasoning more closely. Love for the Thessalonians drove the longing to see them. But fear that something might have befallen them drove the urgency also. Paul is not unrealistically of the belief that everyone who turns to Christ in professed faith will necessarily persevere amidst trials and suffering to the end. He was genuinely concerned that events, inspired by Satan or otherwise, would compromise them in some way. He longed to be there to strengthen them.
God’s sovereignty over all things does not mean that Paul knows the final outcome for every individual with whom he comes in contact. He makes what he considers the wisest decision with both the facts he has before him and the desires he holds in his heart. He ‘thought it best’ to split up. This compassionate uncertainty driving his decisions may be comforting for those who think there is a ‘single divine will’ for their lives. We are called to make wise decisions, prayerfully considering the facts before us and desires in our heart.
