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1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 Thessalonians 3:1 in Multiple Translations

So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens.

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

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

At last our desire to have news of you was so strong that, while we ourselves were waiting at Athens,

So when we couldn't bear it any longer, we decided it would be best for us to stay behind in Athens,

Wherefore since we could no longer forbare, wee thought it good to remaine at Athens alone,

Wherefore no longer forbearing, we thought good to be left in Athens alone,

Therefore when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone,

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

For which cause, forbearing no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens alone:

As a result of that, when I could no longer endure worrying about you, I decided that Silas and I would stay behind alone in Athens city,

But back at the time just after we left you, we worried about you for a while. We didn’t know if you kept on trusting Jesus or not. We tried to go back to find out about you, but we couldn’t do it. And we couldn’t wait to get some news about you. So we reckoned, “We’ll send Timothy by himself, and we’ll stay here in this city called Athens and wait for him to come back.” Timothy is like our brother. He works with us for God, telling people the good news about Jesus Christ. We sent Timothy to you so that he could help you to be strong and to trust Jesus better.

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Berean Amplified Bible — 1 Thessalonians 3:1

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1 Thessalonians 3:1 Interlinear (Deep Study)

BIB
GRK διο μηκετι στεγοντες ευδοκησαμεν καταλειφθηναι εν αθηναις μονοι
διο dio G1352 therefore Conj
μηκετι mēketi G3371 never again Adv-N
στεγοντες stegō G4722 to endure Verb-PAP-NPM
ευδοκησαμεν eudokeō G2106 to delight Verb-AAI-1P
καταλειφθηναι kataleipō G2641 to leave behind Verb-APN
εν en G1722 in/on/among Prep
αθηναις Athēnai G116 Athens Noun-DPF
μονοι monos G3441 alone Adj-NPM
Greek Word Study

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Greek Word Reference — 1 Thessalonians 3:1

διο dio G1352 "therefore" Conj
Therefore is a word that shows a consequence or a reason, like in Matthew 27:8 and Romans 1:24. It explains why something happens.
Definition: διό conjunct. for δι᾽ ὅ, wherefore, on which account: Mat.27:8, Luk.7:7, Act.15:19, Rom.1:24, al.; δ. καί, Luk.1:35, Act.10:29 24:26, Rom.4:22 15:22, 2Co.1:20 4:13 5:9, Php.2:9, Heb.11:12 13:12 (see Ellic. on Gal.4:31). (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 50 NT verses. KJV: for which cause, therefore, wherefore See also: 1 Corinthians 12:3; Ephesians 4:8; 1 Peter 1:13.
μηκετι mēketi G3371 "never again" Adv-N
Means never again, used by Jesus in Mark 9:25 and by Paul in Romans 14:13. It emphasizes something will not happen again. It is often translated as no longer or never again.
Definition: μηκέτι (μή, ἔτι) adv., no more, no longer: with 2 aor. subjc., Mrk.9:25; οὐ μ., Mat.21:19; with praes. subjc., Rom.14:13; with praes. imperat., Luk.8:49, Jhn.5:14 8:11 Eph.4:28, 1Ti.5:23; with optative, Mrk.11:14; ἵνα μ., 2Co.5:15, Eph.4:14; with inf., Mrk.1:45 2:2, Act.4:17 25:24, Rom.6:6, Eph.4:17, 1Pe.4:2; with ptcp., Act.13:34, Rom.15:23, 1Th.3:1 3:5.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: any longer, (not) henceforth, hereafter, no henceforward (longer, more, soon), not any more See also: 1 Peter 4:2; Ephesians 4:28; Romans 6:6.
στεγοντες stegō G4722 "to endure" Verb-PAP-NPM
To endure means to patiently bear up under something, as in 1 Corinthians 13:7 where love endures all things. It can also mean to keep secret or conceal, as in 1 Corinthians 9:12 and 1 Thessalonians 3:1, 5.
Definition: στέγω (cf. Lat. tego), [in LXX: Sir.8:17 * ;] __1. prop., to cover closely, to protect by covering, esp. to keep water in or out (Soph., Plat., al.). __2. to cover, keep secret, conceal (Sir, l.with, Polyb., al.): 1Co.13:7, R, mg. __3. By covering to ward of, bear up under, endure (for exx., see, Lft., Notes, 40; M, Th., 36): 1Co.9:12 13:7, 1Th.3:1 3:5.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: (for-)bear, suffer See also: 1 Corinthians 9:12; 1 Thessalonians 3:1; 1 Thessalonians 3:5.
ευδοκησαμεν eudokeō G2106 "to delight" Verb-AAI-1P
To delight means to think well of something or someone, like God's pleasure in Luke 12:32 and Romans 15:26-27.
Definition: εὐ-δοκέω, -ῶ (on the derivation, see EL, § 28, 6) [in LXX chiefly for רָצָה, also for אָבָה, חָפֵץ, etc. ;] __1. with inf. (Polyb., al.), to be well pleased, to think it good, to give consent (so frequently in π. in legal docu­ments; Milligan, Th., 22 f.): Luk.12:32, Rom.15:26-27, 1Co.1:21, Gal.1:15, Col.1:19, R, mg. (ICC, in l, but see infr.), 1Th.2:8 3:1; μᾶλλον εὐ., 2Co.5:8; with accusative and inf. (Polyb., i, 8, 4), Col, l.with, R, txt. (Lft., in l). __2. to be well pleased or take pleasure with or in a person or thing; __(a) with dative (Polyb., al.; 1Ma.1:43, I Est.4:39): 2Th.2:12; __(b) as frequently in LXX, __α with accusative: Mat.12:13, Heb.10:5, 8" (LXX) ; __β before ἐν (cf. Heb. בּ רָצָה, Psa.149:4): Mat.3:17 17:5, Mrk.1:11, Luk.3:22 (on the tense, see M, Pr., 134 f.; DCG, i,308 b), 1Co.10:5, 2Co.12:10, Heb.10:38" (LXX) ; __(with) before εἰς: 2Pe.1:17. (cf. συν-ευδοκέω, and see Cremer, 213 f.; Field, Notes, 48 f.; DCG, i, 355a.)† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 21 NT verses. KJV: think good, (be well) please(-d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing See also: 1 Corinthians 1:21; Hebrews 10:6; Hebrews 10:8.
καταλειφθηναι kataleipō G2641 "to leave behind" Verb-APN
To leave behind means to abandon or have something remaining, like when Jesus left Nazareth behind to preach in Galilee. This word is used in Matthew 4:13 and Acts 24:27. It can also mean to forsake or reserve something.
Definition: κατα-λείπω [in LXX chiefly far שָׁאַר, ni., hi., also for עָזַב, יָתַר, etc. ;] __1 1, to leave behind, leave: with accusative of person(s) (of thing(s)), Mat.4:13, Mrk.12:19, 21, Luk.20:31, Act.24:27 25:14, Heb.11:27; of sailing by a place, Act.21:3; ptcp., καταλιπών, redundant (Dalman, Words, 21 f.), Mat.16:4 21:17; pass., Jhn.8:9, 1Th.3:1; metaphorically, εὐθεῖαν ὁδόν, 2Pe.2:15. __2. to forsake, abandon: Mat.19:5, Mrk.10:7" (LXX) Mrk.14:52, Luk.5:28 15:4, Act.6:2, Eph.5:31" (LXX) . __3. to leave remaining, reserve: with accusative and inf., Luk.10:40; ἐμαυτῷ, Rom.11:4 (LXX); pass., Heb.4:1 (cf. ἐν-κατα-λείπω).† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 25 NT verses. KJV: forsake, leave, reserve See also: 1 Thessalonians 3:1; Luke 5:28; Hebrews 4:1.
εν en G1722 "in/on/among" Prep
This word is a preposition that means in, on, or among something. It's used in many places, like Matthew 7:3 and Luke 7:37, to describe a location or relationship. It can also mean by, with, or during.
Definition: ἐν, prep, (the most frequently of all in NT), with dative (= Heb. בְּ, Lat. in, with abl.). __I. Of place, with dative of thing(s), of person(s), in, within, on, at, by, among: ἐν τ. πόλει, Luk.7:37; τ. οφθαλμῷ, Mat.7:3; τ. κοιλίᾳ, Mat.12:40; τ. ὄρει, 2Pe.1:18; τ. θρόνῳ, Rev.3:21; τ. δεξιᾷ τ. θεοῦ, Rom.8:34; ἐν ἡμῖν Abbott-Smith has ὑμῖν., Luk.1:1; of books, ἐν τ. βιβλίῳ, Gal.3:10; τ. νόμῳ, Mat.12:5, al.; ἐν τοῖς τ. Πατρός, in my Father's house (RV; cf. M, Pr., 103), Luk.2:49; trop., of the region of thought or feeling, ἐν τ. καρδίᾳ (-αις), Mat.5:28, 2Co.4:6, al.; τ. συνειδήσεσιν, 2Co.5:11; after verbs of motion, instead of εἰς (constructio praegnans, a usage extended in late Gk. beyond the limits observed in cl.; cf. Bl., §41, 1; M, Th., 12), ἀποστέλλω . . . ἐν, Mat.10:16. δέδωκεν ἐν τ. χειρί (cf. τιθέναι ἐν χερσί, Hom., Il., i, 441, al.), Jhn.3:35; id. after verbs of coming and going (not in cl.), εἰσῆλθε, Luk.9:46; ἐξῆλθεν, Luk.7:17. __II. Of state, condition, form, occupation, etc.: ἐν ζωῇ, Rom.5:10; ἐν τ. θανάτῳ, 1Jn.3:14; ἐν πειρασμοῖς, 1Pe.1:6; ἐν εἰρήνῃ, Mrk.5:25; ἐν δόξῃ, Php.4:19; ἐν πραΰτητι, Jas.3:13; ἐν μυστηρίῳ, 1Co.2:7; ἐν τ. διδαχῇ, Mrk.4:2; of a part as contained in a whole, ἐν τ. ἀμπέλῳ, Jhn.15:4; ἐν ἑνὶ σώματι, Rom.12:4; of accompanying objects or persons (simple dative in cl.), with, ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:25; ἐν δέκα χιλιάσιν, Luk.14:31 (cf. Ju 14, Act.7:14); similarly (cl.), of clothing, armour, arms, ἐν στολαῖς, Mrk.12:38; ἐν ἐσθῆτι λαμπρᾷ, Jas.2:2; ἐν μαξαίρῃ, Luk.22:49; ἐν ῥάβδῳ, 1Co.4:21 (cf. ἐν τόξοις, Xen., Mem., 3, 9, 2); of manner (cl.), ἐν τάχει (= ταχέως), Luk.18:8 (cf. Bl., §41, 1); of spiritual influence, ἐν πνεύματι, Rom.8:9; ἐν π. ἀκαθάρτῳ, Mrk.1:23; of the mystical relation of the Christian life and the believer himself, to God and Christ (cf. ICC, Ro., 160f.; Mayor on Ju 1; M, Pr., 103): ἐν Χριστῷ, Rom.3:24, 6:11, 1Co.3:1, 4:10, 2Co.12:2, Gal.2:17, Eph.6:21, Col.4:7, 1Th.4:16, al. __III. Of the agent, instrument or means (an extension of cl. ἐν of instr.—see LS, see word Ill—corresponding to similar use of Heb. בְּ), by, with: ἐν ὑμῖν κρίνεται ὁ κόσμος (= cl. παρά, C. dative), 1Co.6:2; ἐν τ. ἄρχοντι τ. δαιμονίων, Mat.9:34; ἐν αἵματι, Heb.9:22; ἐν ὕδατι, Mat.3:11, al.; ἐν μαχαίρᾳ ἀποκτενεῖ (cf. the absol. ἐν μ., ἐν ῥάβδῳ, supr., II, which some would classify here), Rev.13:10 (cf. 6:8). Allied to this usage and distinctly Semitic are the following: ἠγόρασας . . . ἐν τ. αἵματι σου (cf. BDB, see word בְּ, III, 3), Rev.5:9; ὁμολογεῖν ἐν (= Aram. אודי בּ; cf. McNeile on Mt, I.with; M, Pr., 104), Mat.10:32, Luk.12:8; ὀμνύναι ἐν (= cl. accusative, so Jas.5:12), Mat.5:34, al.; also at the rate of, amounting to, Mrk.4:8 (WH; vv. ll., εἰς, ἒν), Act.7:14 (LXX). __IV. Of time, __(a) in or during a period: ἐν τ. ἡμέρᾳ (νυκτί), Jhn.11:9, al.; ἐν σαββάτῳ, Mat.12:2, al.; ἐν τῷ μεταξύ, meanwhile, Jhn.4:31; __(b) at the time of an event: ἐν τ. παρουσίᾳ, 1Co.15:23; ἐν τ. ἀναστάσει, Mat.22:28; __(with) with art. inf., __(α) present (so sometimes in cl., but not as in NT = ἕως; V. M, Pr., 215), while: Mat.13:4, Mrk.6:48, Gal.4:18, al.; __(β) aor., when, after: Luk.9:36, al.; __(d) within (cl.): Mat.27:40, __V. In composition: (1) meaning: (a) with adjectives, it signifies usually the possession of a quality, as ἐνάλιος, ἐν́δοξος; (b) with verbs, continuance in (before ἐν) or motion into (before εἰς), as ἐμμένω, ἐμβαίνω. (ii) Assimilation: ἐν becomes ἐμ- before β, μ, π, φ, ψ; ἐγ- before γ, κ, ξ, χ; ἐλ- before λ. But in the older MSS of NT, followed by modern editions, assimilation is sometimes neglected, as in ἐνγράφω, ἐγκαινίζω, etc. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 2120 NT verses. KJV: about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (… sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in) See also: 1 Corinthians 1:2; 1 Corinthians 15:17; 1 Peter 1:2.
αθηναις Athēnai G116 "Athens" Noun-DPF
Athens was an important city in ancient Greece, mentioned in Acts 17:15-16. The city was a center of culture and philosophy, and the apostle Paul visited it to spread the gospel.
Definition: Ἀθῆναι, -ῶν, αἱ (plural because consisting of several parts), Athens: Act.17:15,16 18:1, 1Th.3:1.† (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 4 NT verses. KJV: Athens See also: 1 Thessalonians 3:1; Acts 17:16; Acts 18:1.
μονοι monos G3441 "alone" Adj-NPM
The Greek word for alone or solitary, used to describe someone or something that is the only one. In Mark 9:2, Jesus takes only three disciples up a mountain.
Definition: μόνος, -η, -ον, [in LXX chiefly for לְבַד ;] __1. adj., alone, solitary, forsaken: with verb., Mat.14:23, Mrk.6:47, Luk.9:36, al.; with pron., Mat.18:15, Mrk.9:2, al.; with subst., Mrk.9:8, Luk.4:8, al.; pleonast., οὐκ . . . εἰ μὴ μ., Mat.12:4, Luk.6:4, al.; attrib., only, (ὁ) μ. θεός, Jhn.5:44 17:3, Rom.16:27, 1Ti.1:17, Ju 25. __2. As adv., __(a) neut., (μόνον, alone, only: referring to verb or predic., Mat.9:21, Mrk.5:36, Jas.1:22, al. (see Bl., §44, 2); οὐ (μὴ) μ., Gal.4:18, Jas.1:22; οὐ μ. . . . ἀλλά (Bl, §77, 13.3), Act.19:26, 1Jn.5:6, al.; id. before καί (Bl., §81, 1.2), Rom.5:3 9:10, 2Co.8:19, al.; __(b) κατὰ μόνας, alone (Bl., §44, 1), Mrk.4:10, Luk.9:18. (AS)
Usage: Occurs in 44 NT verses. KJV: alone, only, by themselves See also: 1 Corinthians 9:6; Luke 4:4; Hebrews 9:7.

Study Notes — 1 Thessalonians 3:1

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Cross References

ReferenceText (BSB)
1 Acts 17:15 Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then returned with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him as soon as possible.
2 1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and caused our labor to be in vain.
3 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Brothers, although we were torn away from you for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you face to face was even more intense.
4 2 Corinthians 2:13 I had no peace in my spirit, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
5 Jeremiah 20:9 If I say, “I will not mention Him or speak any more in His name,” His message becomes a fire burning in my heart, shut up in my bones, and I become weary of holding it in, and I cannot prevail.
6 Jeremiah 44:22 So the LORD could no longer endure the evil deeds and detestable acts you committed, and your land became a desolation, a horror, and an object of cursing, without inhabitant, as it is this day.
7 2 Corinthians 11:29–30 Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not burn with grief? If I must boast, I will boast of the things that show my weakness.

1 Thessalonians 3:1 Summary

This verse shows that Paul and his friends really cared about the believers in Thessalonica and were worried about how they were doing. They decided to stay in Athens, even though it was hard, and send Timothy to visit and encourage the Thessalonians, just like Jesus sent out His disciples to care for others, as in Matthew 10:1-4. This teaches us to trust God and care for one another, even when things are tough, and to remember that God is always with us, as promised in Hebrews 13:5-6. By trusting God and caring for others, we can show His love and kindness to those around us.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean to 'bear it no longer' in 1 Thessalonians 3:1?

This phrase suggests that the apostle Paul and his companions were deeply concerned about the Thessalonian believers and could no longer endure the uncertainty of their spiritual well-being, much like Jesus' compassion for the crowds in Matthew 9:36-38.

Why did Paul and his companions stay behind in Athens?

The reason for staying in Athens is not explicitly stated, but it may have been due to the missionary strategy or the need to establish a new church, as seen in Acts 17:16-34, where Paul preached in Athens.

Is it ever necessary for Christians to be 'left on our own' like Paul and his companions?

Yes, sometimes Christians may need to trust God and rely on His sovereignty, even when circumstances seem uncertain or difficult, just as Jesus taught His disciples to trust in Him during times of trouble, as in John 16:33.

How does this verse relate to the concept of perseverance in the Christian life?

This verse highlights the importance of perseverance in the face of challenges, as seen in Romans 5:3-5, where Paul writes that suffering produces perseverance, character, and hope.

Reflection Questions

  1. What are some situations in my life where I feel like I can 'bear it no longer', and how can I trust God in those moments?
  2. How can I balance my desire for community and support with the need to sometimes be 'left on our own' and trust God?
  3. In what ways can I, like Paul, demonstrate my care and concern for fellow believers, even when we are physically apart?
  4. What are some ways that I can 'strengthen and encourage' others in their faith, as Paul desired to do for the Thessalonians, as mentioned in 1 Thessalonians 3:2?

Gill's Exposition on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear,.... Or "bear", as the word properly signifies; or "bear that", as the Ethiopic version reads; that is, "that desire", as the Arabic version renders it; that

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; Wherefore - because of our earnest love to you (1 Thessalonians 2:17-20), and our having been "hindered"; going to you, we sent Timothy.

Matthew Poole's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 CHAPTER 3 The apostle showeth that out of his great care for the Thessalonians he had sent Timothy to comfort and strengthen them in the faith, whose good report of them had been a great consolation to him in his distresses. He testifieth his thankfulness to God, and earnest desire to see them, praying God to guide him to them, and for their increase in love and holiness unto the end. The apostle proceeds upon the same argument to confirm his love to them, and care of them, that they might not doubt of it because of his long absence from them. Therefore he tells them, that though he could not come himself, yet he sent Timothy to them from Athens; which we find not mentioned in the Acts by Luke: and his love herein is commended the more: 1. Because he sent him out of a strong impulse of affection, he could not forbear any longer, or bear, it was a heavy burden to him till he had done it, as the word imports. 2. He was content to be left at Athens alone by parting with Timothy, though his company was so desirable and useful to him at that time. And he was well pleased so to do for their sakes; eudokhsamen, he had a complacence of mind in so doing, so much he preferred their good before his own contentment. (To see Numbers 3 and 4: See Poole on "".)

Trapp's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; Ver. 1. No longer forbear] στεγοντες, or, stand under our burden of vehement desire after you. See a like expression, Isaiah 42:14. As a travailing woman bites in her pain as long as she is able, and at length cries aloud; so God is patient till he can hold no longer, &c. We thought it good] Publica privatis anteferenda bonis, A public spirit is a precious spirit. And that is a golden saying of divine Plato, ηδεδικαιοσυνηαλλοτριονμεναγαθον, οικειαδεζημια. (De Rep. lib. 3.) Goodness is all for the good of others, though to its own disadvantage; like as nature will venture its own particular good for the general. As heavy things will ascend to keep out vacuity, and to preserve the universe.

Ellicott's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

III. (1) We could no longer forbear.—The Greek word contains the metaphor of a vessel over-full and bursting with its contents. “We” must be understood here by the limitation of 1 Thessalonians 2:18, and by the direct singular of 1 Thessalonians 3:5, to mean St. Paul alone, not him and Silas. To be left at Athens alone.—The difficulty of interpreting this passage so as to agree with Acts 17:15-16; Acts 18:5, is not a light one. From those passages it would appear that immediately upon reaching Athens, St. Paul sent word back to Macedonia, by the friends who had escorted him, that St. Silas and St. Timothy should join him at once; but that some delay took place, and that St. Paul had arrived at Corinth before his companions reached him; that they consequently never were with him at Athens. In that case, “to be left alone” must mean, “We resolved not to keep with us the brethren who escorted us;” and the “sent” of 1 Thessalonians 3:2 will mean that he gave them a message to Timothy that he should go back to Thessalonica (presumably from Berœa), before joining St. Paul at Athens; for the tense of the Greek verb “to be left” absolutely necessitates an act of parting with some one: it cannot mean, “We were willing to endure loneliness a little longer.” But such an interpretation suits ill with Acts 17:15; it is hard to identify an urgent message to “come with all speed” with a command to make such a détour. It seems, therefore, most reasonable to suppose that Silas and Timothy joined St. Paul forthwith at Athens, and were almost as soon sent back into Macedonia,—Silas to Berœa or Philippi, and Timothy to Thessalonica. This would explain St. Paul’s being left alone, an expression which would hardly have been used had Silas remained with him at Athens, as some (misled by the word “we”) have supposed; and also it explains how in Acts 18:5 both Timothy and Silas come from Macedonia to Corinth. The despatching of Silas from Athens is not mentioned here, simply because it had no particular interest for the Thessalonians. If the two men did not reach St. Paul at all during the time he was at Athens, after receiving so imperative a message, they must have been very slow, for a week would have allowed ample time for their journey from Berœa, and Acts 17:17; Acts 18:1 certainly imply a much longer period of residence there. “To be left alone” was a great trial to St. Paul’s affectionate nature: such a sacrifice may well impress the Thessalonians with the strength of his love for them.

Adam Clarke's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

CHAPTER III. St Paul informs them how, being hindered himself from visiting them, he had sent Timothy to comfort them, of whom he gives a high character, 1, 2. Shows that trials and difficulties are unavoidable in the present state, 3, 4. Mentions the joy he had on hearing by Timothy of their steadiness in the faith, for which he returns thanks to God; and prays earnestly for their increase, 5-10. Prays also that God may afford him an opportunity of seeing them, 11. And that they may abound in love to God and one another, and be unblamable in holiness at the coming of Christ, 12, 13. NOTES ON CHAP. III. Verse 1. Wherefore, when we could no longer, c.] The apostle was anxious to hear of their state, and as he could obtain no information without sending a messenger express, he therefore sent Timothy from Athens choosing rather to be left alone, than to continue any longer in uncertainty relative to their state.

Cambridge Bible on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

1. Wherefore when we could no longer forbear] Wherefore (i.e. because of our longing to see you) no longer bearing it (the frustration of our attempts to return to Thessalonica). “Bear” is the same word as in 1 Corinthians 13:7 : “Love beareth all things”—bears up under, holds out against. “This protracted separation and repeated disappointment was more than we could endure.”to be left at Athens alone] left behind … alone (R. V.).

Barnes' Notes on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

Wherefore - See 1 Thessalonians 2:18. This particle (διὸ dio) is designed here to refer to another proof of his affection for them.

Whedon's Commentary on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

5. St. Paul’s sending Timothy (from Athens?) to visit and confirm his Thessalonians, 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5.1.

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SermonDescription
Jim Cymbala Keeping the Faith by Jim Cymbala In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of faith in Christianity. He dismisses the significance of external elements like PowerPoint presentations and praise and wor
Darrell Stetler Be Ye Holy by Darrell Stetler In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of holiness and sanctification in the lives of believers. He emphasizes that God's command to be holy is clear and definite in
Svend Christensen Studies in 1 Thessalonians 03 Conduct by Svend Christensen In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the importance of establishing and comforting fellow believers in their faith. He mentions the afflictions and tribulations that Christians m
Watchman Nee Among the Workers by Watchman Nee Watchman Nee emphasizes the importance of local churches and the spiritual unity among workers in the body of Christ. He explains that while churches in Scripture are independent a
A.W. Tozer "Thus Saith the Lord" by A.W. Tozer In this sermon, the preacher delves into the multifaceted meaning of 'stego', which includes concepts like protection, endurance, and support. The preacher explains how 'stego' was
David Servant Day 65, 2 Thessalonians 3 by David Servant David Servant preaches on the power of prayer for evangelists, apostles, and missionaries, emphasizing Paul's belief in the impact of believers' prayers on his deliverance from per
Kenneth MacRae A Word to the Anxious by Kenneth MacRae The preacher delves into the concept of 'methodeia,' which refers to the devil's orderly, logical, and effective schemes to deceive and mislead believers. These schemes involve acc

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