1 Thessalonians 3:4

4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.

1 Thessalonians 3:4 in Other Translations

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

4 For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.

4 Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.

4 When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead. And now that it's happened, you know what it's like.

4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened.

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 We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.

4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.

5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you and has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.

Cross References

• 1. 1 Thessalonians 2:14