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1 Thessalonians 3:1
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Concern for Their Faith

1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,
2 and sent aTimothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,  
3 athat no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that bwe are appointed to this.  
4 aFor, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.  
5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, alest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and bour labor might be in vain.  

Encouraged by Timothy

6 aBut now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, bas we also to see you—  
7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress awe were comforted concerning you by your faith.  
8 For now we live, if you astand fast in the Lord.  
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,
Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
<< 1 Thessalonians 2:20   1 Thessalonians 3:2 >>


1 Thessalonians 3:1

PROOF OF HIS DESIRE AFTER THEM IN HIS HAVING SENT TIMOTHY: HIS JOY AT THE TIDINGS BROUGHT BACK CONCERNING THEIR FAITH AND CHARITY: PRAYERS FOR THEM. (I Thessalonians 3:1-13)

Wherefore—because of our earnest love to you (I Thessalonians 2:17-20).

forbear—"endure" the suspense. The Greek is literally applied to a watertight vessel. When we could no longer contain ourselves in our yearning desire for you.

left at Athens alone—See my Introduction. This implies that he sent Timothy from Athens, whither the latter had followed him. However, the "we" favors ALFORD'S view that the determination to send Timothy was formed during the hasty consultation of Paul, Silas, and Timothy, previous to his departure from Berea, and that then he with them "resolved" to be "left alone" at Athens, when he should arrive there: Timothy and Silas not accompanying him, but remaining at Berea. Thus the "I," I Thessalonians 3:5, will express that the act of sending Timothy, when he arrived at Athens, was Paul's, while the determination that Paul should be left alone at Athens, was that of the brethren as well as himself, at Berea, whence he uses, I Thessalonians 3:1, "we." The non-mention of Silas at Athens implies that he did not follow Paul to Athens as was at first intended; but Timothy did. Thus the history, Acts 17:14-15, accords with the Epistle. The word "left behind" (Greek) implies that Timothy had been with him at Athens. It was an act of self-denial for their sakes that Paul deprived himself of the presence of Timothy at Athens, which would have been so cheering to him in the midst of philosophic cavillers; but from love to the Thessalonians, he is well content to be left all "alone" in the great city.




Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing 1 Thessalonians 3:1:

Acts 16:3
Acts 17:15
Acts 18:5-6
1 Thessalonians 2:18
1 Thessalonians 3:1
1 Thessalonians 3:1
1 Thessalonians 3:5

 

<< 1 Thessalonians 2:20   1 Thessalonians 3:2 >>

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