1 Thessalonians 3:4

4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you 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 we sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the sake of your faith,

3 so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that this is what we are destined for.

4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were to suffer persecution; so it turned out, as you know.

5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith; I was afraid that somehow the tempter had tempted you and that our labor had been in vain.

6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love. He has told us also that you always remember us kindly and long to see us—just as we long to see you.