Neac - Newtown: Erskineville Anglican Church

Paul reminds the Thessalonians of the beginnings of their faith and defends the part he played in it - likely due to bad gossip about him and his absence from them (2:18). In doing so, he models how believers can build each other up. They can encourage and comfort (2:12), urge holy living (2:12), share their lives (2:8), and share God’s word (2:13). We are to love each other like family (2:7, 11, 17). Paul can even say that doing this is his glory and joy (2:20).