1 Thessalonians 3:1-4:8 NIV

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - 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. One evidence had been referred to in his strong desire to visit them, which he had been unable to accomplish 1 Thessalonians 2:18, and he here refers to another - to wit, the fact that he had sent Timothy to them.We could no longer forbear - That is, when I could not 1 Thessalonians 3:5, for there is every evidence that Paul refers to himself only though he uses... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - 1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 Thessalonians 3:1. When we could no longer forbear Or bear, rather, namely, our anxiety on your account. The word στεγοντες , here used, literally signifies bearing or carrying, but never forbearing. Some such word as anxiety is necessary to be supplied, because it appears from the following verse, that the apostle was at this time under great concern lest the Thessalonians should have been moved from the faith of the gospel, either by the false arguments of the unbelievers, or... read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

After leaving Thessalonica (2:17-3:13)Having reminded the Thessalonians of his work and conduct while among them, Paul now outlines his thoughts and feelings for them since he left. In spite of what his opponents are saying, his failure to return does not mean that he has no interest in them. Several times he has tried to return, but each time something has stopped him (17-18). He wants to have joy, not shame, at Christ’s return, and for this reason he is eager to see his converts grow and... read more

E.W. Bullinger

E.W. Bullinger's Companion Bible Notes - 1 Thessalonians 3:1

when, &c . = no longer bearing it, i.e. able to bear it. no longer . Greek. meketi. forbear = bear. See 1 Corinthians 9:12 . thought it good = were well pleased. Same as "were willing" (1 Thessalonians 2:8 ). Athens . See Acts 17:15 , Acts 17:16 . When Silas and Timothy joined Paul, he and Silas must have agreed to dispatch Timothy to Thessalonica, and then Silas must have departed on some other mission. See in 1 Thessalonians 3:5 the change from "we" to "I". read more

James Burton Coffman

Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 THESS. 3The chain of events which puts this chapter in focus was as follows:Paul left Silas and Timothy at Berea, proceeding to Athens (Acts 17:14,15). On arriving in Athens he urgently summoned them to join him. They did so at once, and Timothy was sent back to Thessalonica (1 Thessalonians 3:1-12). Silas was sent to another part of Macedonia (Berea?) (Acts 18:5). Paul left Athens and went to Corinth (Acts 18:1). Both Silas and Timothy joined Paul at Corinth (Acts 18:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:6).... read more

Robert Jamieson; A. R. Fausset; David Brown

Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible - 1 Thessalonians 3:1

1. Wherefore—because of our earnest love to you ( :-). 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 :- 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... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Thessalonians 3:1-2

Paul returned to the report of his plans (1 Thessalonians 2:17-18). He explained that by the time he, Silas, and Timothy had reached Athens they felt they could not stay away from their young converts in Thessalonica any longer. They decided that Timothy should return. Silas evidently went back to Philippi and or Berea (Acts 18:5). Paul may have described Timothy as he did here to give this young brother more stature in the eyes of the Thessalonians. Timothy’s mission was to strengthen and... read more

Thomas Constable

Expository Notes of Dr. Thomas Constable - 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

Timothy’s visit 3:1-5 read more

John Dummelow

John Dummelow's Commentary on the Bible - 1 Thessalonians 3:1-13

The Apostle’s Anxiety about his Converts1. Forbear] better, ’endure the suspense.’2. Our fellow-labourer] better, ’God’s fellow-worker’ or ’minister,’ RV. 3. Should be moved] better, ’led astray.’ Afflictions] at the hands of Jews and Gentiles: see Acts 17:5.6. Now when] better, ’as soon as.’ Charity] RV ’love.’8. We live] it puts new life in us. If ye stand fast] better, ’if only ye stand fast.’ The Gk. expresses some doubt and anxiety. 10. ’I pray unceasingly and urgently to the end that I... read more

Charles John Ellicott

Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers - 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... read more