English Standard Version
1 Thessalonians 3:1
1Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone,
1 Thessalonians 3:1 in other versions
- King James Version (KJV)Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
- New International Version (NIV)So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.
- New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,
- New Living Translation (NLT)Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens,
Context of 1 Thessalonians 3:1
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, 3that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.
Read all of 1 Thessalonians 31 Thessalonians 3:1 word by word
Διὸ μηκέτι στέγοντες εὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοιRead the interlinear
Words taken from the KJV.
Cross-references for 1 Thessalonians 3:1
- 1 Thessalonians 3:5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face,
- Jeremiah 20:9If I say, "I will not mention him, or speak any more in his name," there is in my heart as it were a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I am weary with holding it in, and I cannot.
- Jeremiah 44:22The Lord could no longer bear your evil deeds and the abominations that you committed. Therefore your land has become a desolation and a waste and a curse, without inhabitant, as it is this day.
- 2 Corinthians 2:13my spirit was not at rest because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I took leave of them and went on to Macedonia.
- 2 Corinthians 11:29Who is weak, and I am not weak? Who is made to fall, and I am not indignant?
- Acts 17:15Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
Commentaries on 1 Thessalonians 3:1
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary · v. 1Wherefore, when we could no longer, etc. - The apostle was anxious to hear of their state, and as he could obtain no information without sending a messenger express, he therefore sent Timothy from Athens; choosing rather to be left alone, than to continue any longer in uncertainty relative to their state.Read the comment
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible · v. 1Wherefore - See 1 Thessalonians 2:18. This particle ( ̀ dio) is designed here to refer to another proof of his affection for them. One evidence had been referred to in his strong desire to visit them, which he had been unable to accomplish 1 Thessalonians 2:18, and he here refers to another - to wit, the fact that he had sent Timothy to them. We could no longer forbear - That is, when I could not 1 Thessalonians 3:5, for there is every evidence that Paul…Read the comment
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary · v. 1The apostle sent Timothy to establish and comfort the Thessalonians. (1-5) He rejoiced at the good tidings of their faith and love. (6-10) And for their increase in grace. (11-13) Verses 1-5 The more we find pleasure in the ways of God, the more we shall desire to persevere therein. The apostle's design was to establish and comfort the Thessalonians as to the object of their faith, that Jesus Christ was the Saviour of the world; and as to the recompence…Read the comment
- Tyndale Open Study Notes · v. 1-5After preaching in Berea, Paul left Macedonia and sailed to Athens. He instructed Silas and Timothy to join him soon (Acts 17:13–15). Timothy returned to Thessalonica because Paul had become more concerned about the Thessalonian church (1 Thessalonians 3:2; 3:1, 5).Read the comment
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary · v. 1-131Th 3:1-13. Proof of His Desire after Them in His Having Sent Timothy: His Joy at the Tidings Brought Back Concerning Their Faith and Charity: Prayers for Them. 1. Wherefore--because of our earnest love to you (1Th 2:17-20). forbear--"endure" the suspense. The Greek is literally applied to a watertight vessel. When we could no longer contain ourselves in our yearning desire for you. left at Athens alone--See my Introduction. This implies that he sent…Read the comment
Topics related to 1 Thessalonians 3:1
In the dictionaries
Commentaries on 1 Thessalonians 3
- Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
- Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
- Matthew Henry Concise Commentary
- Tyndale Open Study Notes
- Jamieson–Fausset–Brown Commentary
- Calvin’s Commentaries
- John Wesley’s Notes
- Illustrated New Testament
- Burkitt’s Expository Notes
- Darby Translation Notes
- Family Bible Notes
- Geneva Bible Translation Notes
- Kingcomments
- Matthew Henry’s Complete Commentary
- Matthew Henry’s Modern English Commentary
- The People’s New Testament
- Robertson’s Word Pictures
- Scofield Reference Notes, 1917 Edition
- Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary
- EGW Writings
English Standard Version — © 2001 Crossway Bibles
Commentaries