1 Thessalonians 3

The Apostle declares that being troubled for them had sent Timothy to confirm them in the faith, 3. And to comfort them in the tribulations whereunto the faithful are appointed, 6. Yet he was very joyful by the coming again of Timothy, understanding their steadfastness and welfare: 9. for which he thanketh God, and prayeth that for the perfecting of their faith he may get opportunity from God to come again unto them. 12. And concludes this Chapter and first part of the Epistle with an earnest prayer to God, that they may be abundant in love and sanctification, against the coming of Christ with all his Saints.

1. Therefore not being able any longer to endure [this desire] [That is, this longing after you, of which he spoke in the 17. and 18. verse of the former Chapter] we would gladly have been left alone at Athens.

2. And have sent Timothy our brother and Minister of God, and our fellow-laborer in the Gospel of Christ, [That is, in the preaching and spreading abroad of the Gospel.] to strengthen you, and to exhort you about your faith: [Or concerning your faith, Or because of your faith. Others read our faith.]

3. That no man be moved [Namely, to turn from or doubt of faith. See 2 Thes. 2. 2. the Greek word signifies to be moved hither and thither] in these tribulations, for ye yourselves know that we are constituted [that is, are prepared, ordained, namely by God, as this word constitute is also taken Luke 2:34.] Hereunto [namely, to suffer for the name of Christ. See 2 Tim. 3. 12.]

4. For even when we were with you, we foretold you [Namely, as he did also to other Churches. See Acts 14:22. Romans 8:17, 29.] That we should be afflicted, even as it also happened, and ye know it.

5. Therefore also not being able to endure [this desire] [That is, this longing after you, as ver. 1.] any longer, I sent [him] [namely, Timothy] to understand your faith: least perhaps the tempter [that is, Satan, by persecutions and other seductions. See Matthew 4:3.] Should have tempted you, and our labour [namely, which we have taken to publish the Gospel unto] should be in vain. [That is, fruitless.]

6. But now when Timothy was come from you unto us [That is, was returned, namely unto us at Corinth, after that we had sent him from Athens unto you. See Act. 18. ver. 1, 5.] And had brought us the good tidings of your faith [that is, of your steadfastness in the faith] and love, and those ye have always good remembrance of us, being very desirous to see us, even as we also you:

7. Therefore, brethren, we were comforted concerning you in all our affliction and necessity, by your faith: [That is, by the testimony which we heard of your faith]

8. For now we are alive [That is, we are joyful and courageous, as the following verse declares] if ye stand [fast] in the Lord [that is, in faith in the Lord: for by faith we are united unto Christ.]

9. For what thanksgiving can we render unto God for a recompense for you, because of all the joy wherewith we rejoice for your sakes before our God, [That is, sincerely, as in the presence of God, not only before men, as Luke 1:6.]

10. Night and day praying very abundantly that we may see your face, [That is, to be present with you.] and to perfect that which is lacking in your faith? [that is, more perfectly to instruct you in the faith; which the Apostle therefore saith, because by reason of the bitter persecution of the Jews he had been able to continue with them but a little while, See Acts 17:10.]

11. But our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you.

12. And the Lord increase more and more, who can easily supply the want of his Ministers by his Spirit] and make [you] abundant in love towards one another, and towards all; even as we also are towards you: [namely, abundant in love towards you.]

13. That he may strengthen your heart to be unblameable in sanctification before our God and Father, in the coming [Or against the coming] of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his holy ones. [namely, Angels, as is expressed 2 Thes. 1. 7. although it may also be taken more largely for the Holy souls which shall come down from heaven with Christ in the company of the Angels, to be again united and glorified with their bodies.]