1 Thessalonians 3:2
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐπέμψαμεν
sent
G3992
ἐπέμψαμεν
sent
Strong's:
G3992
Word #:
2 of 29
to dispatch (from the subjective view or point of departure, whereas ???? (as a stronger form of ????) refers rather to the objective point or <i>term
τὸν
G3588
τὸν
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
4 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
ἀδελφὸν
brother
G80
ἀδελφὸν
brother
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
5 of 29
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
7 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
διάκονον
minister
G1249
διάκονον
minister
Strong's:
G1249
Word #:
8 of 29
an attendant, i.e., (genitive case) a waiter (at table or in other menial duties); specially, a christian teacher and pastor (technically, a deacon)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
θεοῦ
of God
G2316
θεοῦ
of God
Strong's:
G2316
Word #:
10 of 29
a deity, especially (with g3588) the supreme divinity; figuratively, a magistrate; exceedingly (by hebraism)
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
τῷ
G3588
τῷ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
15 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
τοῦ
G3588
τοῦ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
17 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
εἰς
to
G1519
εἰς
to
Strong's:
G1519
Word #:
19 of 29
to or into (indicating the point reached or entered), of place, time, or (figuratively) purpose (result, etc.); also in adverbial phrases
τὸ
G3588
τὸ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
20 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
στηρίξαι
establish
G4741
στηρίξαι
establish
Strong's:
G4741
Word #:
21 of 29
to set fast, i.e., (literally) to turn resolutely in a certain direction, or (figuratively) to confirm
καὶ
And
G2532
καὶ
And
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
23 of 29
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
παρακαλέσαι
to comfort
G3870
παρακαλέσαι
to comfort
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
24 of 29
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
περὶ
concerning
G4012
περὶ
concerning
Strong's:
G4012
Word #:
26 of 29
properly, through (all over), i.e., around; figuratively with respect to; used in various applications, of place, cause or time (with the genitive cas
τῆς
G3588
τῆς
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
27 of 29
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
Historical Context
Timothy was Paul's most trusted disciple, converted on Paul's first missionary journey in Lystra (Acts 16:1-3), circumcised to facilitate Jewish ministry despite being half-Greek (Acts 16:3), and trained through accompanying Paul on missionary travels. Sending him to Thessalonica demonstrated both Timothy's trustworthiness and Paul's concern—he sent his most valuable coworker. Timothy's youth (perhaps mid-20s) didn't disqualify him from significant ministry. His report (v. 6) would bring Paul immense relief and joy, confirming the mission's success.
Questions for Reflection
- How does Paul's treatment of young Timothy as valued colleague challenge age-based hierarchies in church leadership?
- What role do you play in 'establishing and comforting' other believers' faith, especially those facing trials?
- How can contemporary churches better deploy young, gifted leaders for significant ministry rather than limiting them to subordinate roles?
Analysis & Commentary
And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith—Timothy receives three titles: ton adelphon hēmōn kai diakonon tou Theou kai synergon hēmōn en tō euangeliō tou Christou (τὸν ἀδελφὸν ἡμῶν καὶ διάκονον τοῦ Θεοῦ καὶ συνεργὸν ἡμῶν ἐν τῷ εὐαγγελίῳ τοῦ Χριστοῦ, 'our brother and servant of God and our fellow-worker in the gospel of Christ'). These escalate: brother (family relationship), minister of God (divine calling), fellow-laborer (partnership in work). Despite Timothy's youth (1 Tim 4:12), Paul treats him as valued colleague, not subordinate.
To establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith (eis to stērixai hymas kai parakalesai hyper tēs pisteōs hymōn, εἰς τὸ στηρίξαι ὑμᾶς καὶ παρακαλέσαι ὑπὲρ τῆς πίστεως ὑμῶν)—stērizō (strengthen/establish) and parakaleō (comfort/encourage) define Timothy's mission. Young churches need both: doctrinal grounding (establishment) and emotional support (comfort) to withstand persecution. The phrase hyper tēs pisteōs (concerning the faith) can mean 'about your faith' or 'on behalf of your faith'—Timothy would both inform Paul about their faith and strengthen it.