Soulfood

Jonathan Holmes

1 Thessalonians as a master class in pastoral care

Paul knows the Thessalonians

Paul knows his calling

Paul knows the Lord

Paul loved the people at Thessalonica, whom he met and learned to know on his second missionary journey when he stayed there as long as 6-8 months. But Paul, Silas, and Timothy were chased out of town by jealous Jews and didn’t have time for a proper farewell. Later Paul sent Silas and Timothy back to Thessalonica from Corinth to find out how they are doing. This letter is written after Silas and Timothy came back with a good report.

Shepherds know their sheep. Counselors know their counselees. Pastors know their people.

Paul knows his calling – a loving brother, a gentle mother, an encouraging father, and a proud teacher.

A loving brother: 2:1 and following. He refers to them often as familial relations, using philia to describe his love. A good sibling defends, promotes, challenges, his and her siblings. As counselors we approach counselees as siblings, desiring to know their hearts and help them discern their belonging to God’s family.

2:7 A nursing mother. Deuteronomy imagery of mother eagle. Isaiah speaks of God’s comfort as that of a mother to child. Paul elsewhere talks about caring for the church as a mother.

4:13ff Paul comforting the Thessalonians as a gentle mother about those who have died. “We will always be with the Lord.” Paul sees the people are distressed about those who have died. He shows them the hope that we have in Christ’s resurrection – that Christ himself is our hope of resurrection. So we do not grieve as those who have no hope, but glory in Jesus Christ.

Paul doesn’t say “time heals all wounds,” or “I’m sure they are in a better place.” He gives them Christ! And he tells them to encourage one another with these words – with Christ.

2:11ff Paul as a father encouraging his children. 4:1ff Paul as a father who instructs and exhorts his charges to stay away from sexual immorality. He boldly defends them against false teachings that will destroy their lives. We are not made for sexual immorality but for holiness and honor. “For God has not called us for impurity, but in holiness.” And those who regard this calling are gifted the Holy Spirit.

Paul as a proud teacher – v. 1:6, 2:24, 3:7, etc. Paul’s joy and comfort are in seeing the fruit of his teaching taking root and growing in his pupils. Paul writes often to reiterate what he has already taught them, to drive home what they already know. “The ministry of reminder.”

Paul’s love and care for the Thessalonians is motivated by God’s love and care for Paul. When I am known and loved by the Lord I can’t help but pursue those around me with that same love and knowledge. Paul has a heart for people because God’s heart is for them.

Good counseling always proceeds primarily from a heart that desires to please the Lord.