Our LibraryCommentariesCommentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible1 Thessalonians1 Thessalonians 31 Thessalonians 3
CHAPTER 3
1 Thessalonians 3:1-13 . 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.
1. Wherefore--because of our earnest love to you ( 1 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 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," 1 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, 1 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 Acts 17:15 , 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.
2. minister of God and our fellow labourer--Some oldest manuscripts read, "fellow workman with God"; others, "minister of God." The former is probably genuine, as copyists probably altered it to the latter to avoid the bold phrase, which, however, is sanctioned by 1 Corinthians 3:9 , 2 Corinthians 6:1 . The English Version reading is not well supported, and is plainly compounded out of the two other readings. Paul calls Timothy "our brother" here; but in 1 Corinthians 4:17 , "my son." He speaks thus highly of one so lately ordained, both to impress the Thessalonians with a high respect for the delegate sent to them, and to encourage Timothy, who seems to have been of a timid character ( 1 Timothy 4:12 , 5:23 ). "Gospel ministers do the work of God with Him, for Him, and under Him" [EDMUNDS].
establish--Greek, "confirm." In 2 Thessalonians 3:3 , GOD is said to "stablish": He is the true establisher: ministers are His "instruments."
concerning--Greek, "in behalf of," that is, for the furtherance of your faith. The Greek for "comfort" includes also the idea, "exhort." The Thessalonians in their trials needed both ( 1 Thessalonians 3:3 ; compare Acts 14:22 ).
3. moved--"shaken," "disturbed." The Greek is literally said of dogs wagging the tail in fawning on one. Therefore TITTMANN explains it, "That no man should, amidst his calamities, be allured by the flattering hope of a more pleasant life to abandon his duty." So ELSNER and BENGEL, "cajoled out of his faith." In afflictions, relatives and opponents combine with the ease-loving heart itself in flatteries, which it needs strong faith to overcome.
yourselves know--We always candidly told you so ( 1 Thessalonians 3:4 , Acts 14:22 ). None but a religion from God would have held out such a trying prospect to those who should embrace it, and yet succeed in winning converts.
we--Christians.
appointed thereunto--by God's counsel ( 1 Thessalonians 5:9 ).