Paul has such depth of fatherly concern for the welfare and perseverance of the Thessalonians that even though he cannot visit them himself to see how they are doing he sends Timothy. Paul is so encouraged when he is assured that the saints are persevering, and we should imitate that concern and love and encouragement for the body of Christ. Believers are destined by sovereign design to suffer persecution for his purposes, and should as the apostles, rejoice that The Lord would count us worthy.