1 Thessalonians 3:7 kjv
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
1 Thessalonians 3:7 nkjv
therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:7 niv
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:7 esv
for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3:7 nlt
So we have been greatly encouraged in the midst of our troubles and suffering, dear brothers and sisters, because you have remained strong in your faith.
1 Thessalonians 3 7 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thessalonians 1:6 | You became imitators of us and of the Lord, with all joy in the Holy Spirit | Context for imitation |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:13 | And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God... you welcomed it as the word of God | Affirmation of reception |
| 1 Thessalonians 2:20 | For you are our glory and joy. | Paul's affirmation |
| 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2 | Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to have you leave in Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. | Paul's concern for them |
| 1 Thessalonians 3:5 | For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn of your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. | Motivation for Timothy |
| 1 Thessalonians 3:9 | For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God? | Joy in their faith |
| 1 Thessalonians 4:1 | Finally, therefore, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing—that you do so more and more. | Instruction based on growth |
| Romans 1:12 | that is, that we may be mutually encouraged by each other's faith, both yours and mine. | Mutual encouragement |
| Romans 12:3 | For by the grace given to me I say to everyone among you not to think of himself more highly than he ought to think, but to think with sober judgment, each according to the measure of faith that God has assigned. | Faith as a measure |
| 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 | Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, through the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. | Comfort in affliction |
| 2 Corinthians 7:4 | I have great confidence in you; I am very proud of you. I am completely comforted. My troubles are overflowing with joy. | Paul's overflowing joy |
| Galatians 5:22 | But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, | Joy as fruit of the Spirit |
| Philippians 1:7 | It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, because I have you in my heart and, whether I was in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. | Sharing in grace |
| Philippians 1:25 | Convinced of this, I know that I will remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy in the faith, | Progress and joy |
| 1 Peter 1:6-7 | In this you greatly rejoice, though now for a little while you may have had to suffer various trials, so that the tested genuineness of your faith—more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire—may be found resulting in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. | Rejoicing in trials |
| 1 John 3:12 | not like Cain who was of the evil one and murdered his brother. And why did he murder him? Because his own deeds were evil and his brother's righteous. | Righteousness |
| Psalm 1:1-3 | Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of mockers; but his delight is in the law of the LORD, and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water, that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. | Steadfastness and fruitfulness |
| Jeremiah 17:7-8 | Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, whose hope is in the LORD. He is like a tree planted by water, that sends out its roots by the stream, and does not fear when heat comes, for its leaves remain green, and it is never anxious in the year of drought, for it has sent out its roots by the stream. | Trust and enduring life |
1 Thessalonians 3 verses
1 Thessalonians 3 7 Meaning
The believers in Thessalonica, through their steadfast faith and enduring hope in Christ amidst affliction, brought Paul great comfort and revitalized his spirit, assuring him that their Christian walk was as strong and vital as he had hoped.
1 Thessalonians 3 7 Context
1 Thessalonians chapter 3 continues Paul's discussion regarding Timothy's return from his mission to the Thessalonian church. Timothy brought good news, reporting on their faith and love. This news greatly relieved Paul, who had been anxious about their steadfastness, particularly because of the afflictions they were facing. The chapter reflects Paul's pastoral heart and his deep concern for the spiritual well-being of the young churches he had established. He emphasizes the encouragement and strengthening that the report of their faith provided to him. The verse itself marks the conclusion of Paul's explanation of Timothy's mission and the positive impact of the news he brought.
1 Thessalonians 3 7 Word analysis
- Nyní (Nyni): "Now" - indicates the present moment or consequence flowing from previous events.
- ζῶντες (zontes): "living" - Present active participle of ζάω (zaō), meaning to live. It emphasizes that their life in Christ is a vibrant, active reality. This word group is significant because it conveys not just existence but a thriving, energetic spiritual life.
- ὑπὲρ (hypér): "for" or "because of" - preposition indicating the reason or cause for something.
- ἡμῶν (hēmōn): "us" - Genitive plural pronoun. Refers to Paul, Silas, and Timothy, the messengers who brought the gospel.
- τῆς πίστεως (tês písteōs): "of the faith" - Genitive singular feminine of πίστις (pístis). Faith, often referring to their trust in God and their adherence to the Christian message. This specific use highlights their active and living trust, not merely assent to doctrine.
- διὰ (dia): "through" or "by means of" - preposition indicating the means or agency.
- τῆς ἀναστροφῆς (tês anastrophês): "of the manner of life" or "conduct" - Genitive singular feminine of ἀναστροφή (anastrophē). Refers to their behavior, deportment, and daily walk. The term suggests a turning or revolving, indicating a fundamental orientation of life.
- ὑμῶν (hymōn): "your" - Possessive pronoun, referring to the Thessalonian believers.
- ζῇ (zē): "lives" or "is alive" - Third person singular present active indicative of ζάω (zaō).
- ἐν (en): "in" - Preposition indicating the sphere or state in which something exists or operates.
- τῷ Κυρίῳ (tō Kyriō): "the Lord" - Dative singular masculine article and noun. Refers to Jesus Christ. The use of "Lord" underscores Christ's authority and lordship over their lives and actions.
- Words Group Analysis:
- "Now we live" (Nyní zōntes): This emphasizes a renewed and vibrant existence experienced because of the news received. It’s a spiritual vitality that resurrection life imparts.
- "because of you" (hypér hēmōn): The lives of Paul and his companions are sustained and made meaningful by the spiritual health and continuation of the Thessalonian believers. Their well-being directly impacts Paul.
- "through your steadfastness" (dia tês anastrophês hymōn): The "manner of life" is inextricably linked to their steadfastness in faith. Their enduring conduct in Christ is the conduit through which Paul receives this life-giving news.
- "you live in the Lord" (zē en tō Kyriō): This confirms the source of their true life – their union with and continuous reliance on the Lord Jesus Christ.
1 Thessalonians 3 7 Bonus section
The sentiment expressed here is similar to that found in the concept of spiritual parenting, where the growth and well-being of one's spiritual children bring profound joy and sustenance to the parent. The verb "zō" (to live) is used to convey a vigorous, active life, not just mere biological existence. Paul’s spiritual life is made vivid and robust by the faithful living of the Thessalonians. This interconnectedness is a core theme in Pauline theology, emphasizing that believers are part of a living organism, not isolated individuals. Their "living in the Lord" is the ultimate evidence that validates Paul's ministry and brings him such "life."
1 Thessalonians 3 7 Commentary
The vitality Paul experiences is directly linked to the confirmed faith and consistent conduct of the Thessalonian believers. Their "living" is not merely existing but a demonstration of the Spirit's work within them, producing a life that is pleasing to God. This fruit of their spiritual journey provides immense encouragement and a renewed sense of purpose for Paul, affirming that his labor was not in vain. It highlights the interdependence within the body of Christ, where the spiritual health of one member profoundly affects others, particularly its spiritual fathers. Their conduct is a testament to the power of the gospel and a source of Paul’s deep joy.