1 Thessalonians 3:4

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass, as 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 Timothy, our brother and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith,

3 that no man should be moved by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that thereunto we are appointed.

4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we should suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass, as ye know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

6 But now when Timothy came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have a good remembrance of us always and desire greatly to see us (as we also desire to see you),