1 Thessalonians 3:4

4 For when we were at you, we before-said to you, that we should suffer tribulations; as [and] it is done, 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 we sent Timothy, our brother [and sent Timothy, our brother], and minister of God in the evangel of Christ, to you to be confirmed, and to be taught for your faith,

3 that no man be moved in these tribulations. For [ye] yourselves know, that in this thing we be set [that in this thing we be put].

4 For when we were at you, we before-said to you, that we should suffer tribulations; as [and] it is done, and ye know.

5 Therefore I Paul, no longer abiding [not sustaining more], sent to know your faith, lest peradventure he that tempteth [shall] tempt you, and your travail be made vain [and our travail be made vain].

6 But now, when Timothy shall come to us from you, and tell to us your faith and charity, and that ye have good mind of us, ever desiring to see us, as we also you; [Now forsooth Timothy coming to us from you, and telling to us your faith and charity, and for ye have evermore good mind of us, desiring to see us, as we also you;]