1 Thessalonians 3:7,8 - We have been comforted

3:7

Paul and his companions were experiencing persecution. They knew that the atmosphere would be similar in Thessalonica and had been concerned about how the Thessalonians were coping. However, the news that Timothy brought greatly encouraged them. It can be difficult to stand up when our faith is under attack, but when we do so we bring encouragement to other people. Our faithfulness can be a source of strength for others, and other people’s faithfulness can be a source of strength for us.

3:8

“For now we really live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.” Prior to receiving Timothy’s report, Paul’s life was wracked with anxiety for the Thessalonians, and when anxiety is dominant in our lives we aren't really living. So we again see the humanity and frailty of Paul. James brings out the points in the last two verses. In James 5:10,11 he urges his readers to look to the prophets who endured under suffering, and to Job. In 5:17 he cites Elijah who “was a human being just as we are” and the power of his prayers. We must not make the likes of Paul into superheroes, into people we cannot possibly emulate. They were normal people like us, but who through faith and the grace of God did amazing things for God. That faith and grace is open to us as well, even in all our weakness.