Caring for New Believers

“Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone; and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith.” I Thess 3:1-2

Early in Paul’s missionary work he made a short stopover in Thessalonica. Though Paul spent only three weeks preaching and teaching there, a number of people became believers.

Two of Paul’s letters to this church in Thessalonica are recorded in the New Testament.

It is significant that although Paul was but a short time in the city, he did not abandon the believers there. He agonized over them as a parent would for a child.

When his concern over their spiritual welfare became too heavy, Paul sent Timothy to encourage them and to bring back information about their progress in the faith. Timothy’s report brought joy to the Apostle’s heart, for the believers at Thessalonica had grown in both faith and love.

In chapters 1 and 3 of his first letter, Paul mentioned his earnest prayer (day and night) for these believers. How different from what happens often to many who make professions now. Once baptized and added to church roles they are dropped from the prayer list.

The Apostle did not leave his spiritual children as orphans but strove in prayer for them and encouraged others to do the same. Such intensity please God and it tests our faith to its limits. But such intensity brings results.

Whom do you know who has recently accepted Christ?

Pray for these new believers today.