The words I sent
again recounts Paul’s sending of Timothy (cf. 1 Thessalonians 3:2). This time, however, the apostle gives a new reason: he wanted to find out about their faith. From the Thessalonians’ perspective, Paul sent Timothy to provide pastoral care to strengthen the new believers in their faith. From Paul’s perspective, there was a deep concern for them and a need to be reassured that they were, in fact, persevering in their faith.1
5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.