What does 1 Thessalonians 3:2 mean?

In this verse Paul tells the believers at Thessalonica that he had sent Timothy to them, so Timothy could strengthen and encourage them in their faith. This was an important ministry because the believers were undergoing strong opposition from unbelievers. They needed to be strong in what they believed so they would not fall under pressure. Paul calls Timothy "our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ." Timothy was younger than Paul, so his youth might reduce his perceived credibility. Paul's endorsement of him would help the Thessalonians accept his teaching.

In his first letter to Timothy, Paul understood that some believers might hold very little respect for Timothy because of his youth. So he told Timothy, "Let no one despise you for your youth, but set the believers an example in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith, in purity" (1 Timothy 4:12). As a spiritual brother to Paul and Silas, Timothy was their spiritual equal. As a coworker with God in the gospel of Christ, he was God's partner with good news about Jesus Christ. There could be no doubt that Paul regarded him highly.