Recent years have seen the explosion of churches which preach the so-called health and wealth gospel. One of the favourite Scripture texts of these churches is 3 John 1:2, in which the apostle John greets his readers with the words, Dear friend, I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well
(NIV). That loving greeting in which a pastor expresses the sincere desire for his flock to enjoy God’s blessing in every area of life is used to support a whole theological system which teaches that Christians can always be healthy and prosperous—if only they have enough faith.
There is much one could say about this teaching, and it is important to demonstrate that it is unbiblical and misleading.1 However, I will not go into such detail here. I will, however, note that Paul’s remarks to the Thessalonians in our present passage are enough to lay this false teaching to rest: You know quite well that we were destined for [afflictions]. In fact, when we were with you we kept telling you that we would be persecuted [or, suffer affliction]
(1 Thessalonians 3:3–4, NIV). Suffering is an unavoidable part of the Christian life.
2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,