1 Kings 15:1-32; Jeremiah 26:1-24; Colossians 3:5-4:1
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone. 1 Thessalonians 3:1
Loneliness is a persistent problem in the world. Like anyone, Paul loathed it—especially because he laboured in pioneer evangelism in difficult areas. This passage tells us that he recently had faced persecution that drove him to Athens, an unfamiliar city to him. Yet he was willing to bereave himself of Timothy’s company to ensure the young Thessalonian converts’ ongoing spiritual development. He sent his co-worker to encourage and edify them (1 Thess. 3:2). Serving fellow saints sometimes necessitates relinquishing our comforts, but our reward in heaven shall be great (Mark 10:39-42). —K. R. Keyser
God speed the day, when those of every nation,
“Glory to God!” triumphantly shall sing. —James McGranahan