1 Thessalonians 3:4

4 for also, when we were with you, we told you beforehand we are about to be in tribulation, even as also it came to pass, and ye know.)

1 Thessalonians 3:4 Meaning and Commentary

1 Thessalonians 3:4

For, verily, when we were with you
In presence, in person, as they then were in heart and affection; when they were first among them, and preached the Gospel to them:

we told you before;
before it came to pass;

that we should suffer tribulation:
which they might say by virtue of Christ's prediction to all his disciples, that they should have tribulation in the world; and upon its being the common case of God's people, and the usual way through which they enter the kingdom; and the Apostle Paul might foretell this, upon the discovery that was made to him how many things he should suffer for the sake of Christ, and which therefore he always, and in every place expected; and he might have a particular revelation of the disturbance and opposition he was to meet with at Thessalonica:

even as it came to pass, and ye know;
referring to the tumult and uproar in ( Acts 17:5-10 ) , and which should be considered so far from being a discouragement, that it was a great confirmation of the truth of their mission and ministry; nor could it be so surprising to them as it might have been had they had no previous taste of it.

1 Thessalonians 3:4 In-Context

2 and sent Timotheus, our brother and fellow-workman under God in the glad tidings of Christ, to confirm you and encourage [you] concerning your faith,

3 that no one might be moved by these afflictions. (For yourselves know that we are set for this;

4 for also, when we were with you, we told you beforehand we are about to be in tribulation, even as also it came to pass, and ye know.)

5 For this reason *I* also, no longer able to refrain myself, sent to know your faith, lest perhaps the tempter had tempted you and our labour should be come to nothing.

6 But Timotheus having just come to us from you, and brought to us the glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have always good remembrance of us, desiring much to see us, even as we also you;

Footnotes

• [a]. Or 'we are to be,' that is, such is the lot of Christians; but 'told you beforehand' seems to make it applicable to the Thessalonians. I suspect both were in the apostle's mind; but it is added to ver. 3, and not the repetition of it.