Questions from 1 Thess 3
These questions came to mind as I read the chapter this morning:
Other than Luke, Paul had no chronicler–wouldn’t it be great if we knew the daily details of his ministry? And what about Timothy and his time in Thessalonika? What did he do there? What were the Thessalonians like?
If we truly believe that God chose how all the scriptures were to be written, isn’t it interesting that almost all of our records of the apostles’ lives come from the epistles? Why do you think this is?
And when Paul praises the Thessalonians for their endurance during affliction, he doesn’t single out any leaders. I’m curious what made this group of Christians able to persevere when it seems other groups weren’t as strong, and I’d expect to learn that their were certain leaders (if no pastor) in the church who continued to provide good instruction and counsel. But Paul doesn’t mention anyone by name. Perhaps the group was just that small?
Either way, it makes me wonder about the emphasis we place on pastors in our churches. Not that pastors are unimportant, but perhaps we underestimate the importance of the laity–that is, we underestimate our own responsibilities as congregants. Do we place too much of a burden on our pastors to maintain our spiritual health? Do Paul’s comments suggest that the laity is far more responsible for each other’s health than we allow?
