Neville Goddard on 1 Thessalonians 3:1-10 - Mystical Bible Interpretation

Read 1 Thessalonians 3 in context

Scripture Focus

1Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:

3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

4For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

6But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

7Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:

8For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

9For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

1 Thessalonians 3:1-10

Biblical Context

Paul and Timothy sought to comfort and establish the Thessalonians in faith amid tribulation, showing that steadfast faith yields joy. They emphasize that faith must be held fast and nurtured through prayer and persistent trust.

Neville's Inner Vision

All these verses are about a single inner act. The journey from concern to conviction is the movement of your consciousness. When Paul says we could no longer forbear, he describes the decisive moment you choose to remain with your I AM in the face of impressions of lack. The 'left at Athens' posture is the inner receding of old beliefs, so that a new truth may be breathed in. Timotheus, the brother and minister, is the trusted function of your imagination that tends, builds, and comforts your faith. The trials are inner motions that would tempt you to doubt; yet you know you are appointed to meet them. When Timotheus returns with good tidings, your faith and charity awaken; you remember that you are loved and remembered by your own inner presence. We are comforted by your steadfastness; we live when you stand fast in the Lord. Your night-and-day prayer is the continuous imaginal act of seeing the face you desire and perfecting what is lacking in faith. The moment you stand in that state, joy becomes your natural respiration.

Practice This Now

Close your eyes and assume the state 'I am unwavering in faith.' Imagine a messenger of comfort delivering good tidings to your heart, and remain in that feeling until it fills your entire sense of self.