1 Thessalonians, Day 3 Readings

Mutual Encouragement in the Face of Persecution        

Today's reading describes how Paul, who was worried that the Thessalonians might lose heart because of persecution, dispatched his associate Timothy to visit them.  Paul evidently believed that Timothy, who had endured suffering alongside Paul, would offer encouragement and advice on how to persevere.

Surprisingly, though, Timothy discovers that the Thessalonians are holding up to the pressure and have remained strong in their faith.  In fact, this news encourages Paul to keep going in the face of the persecution he faces.  And he recognizes that through their mutual love and prayers, the Thessalonians and Paul (and his associates) are encouraging and supporting each other in the face of this opposition.

Read 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13  (NIV)   (NRSV)   (CEB)

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Reading the Bible in Its Entirety

If you are planning to read the Bible in its entirety, you should read 1 Thessalonians 3 today.