God’s Word Translation
1 Thessalonians 3:1
1We thought it best to remain in Athens by ourselves. But, because we couldn’t wait any longer ⌞for news about you⌟,
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.
- English Standard Version (ESV)Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone,
- New King James Version (NKJV)Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,
Context of 1 Thessalonians 3:1
We thought it best to remain in Athens by ourselves. But, because we couldn’t wait any longer ⌞for news about you⌟, 2we sent our brother Timothy to you. He serves God by spreading the Good News about Christ. His mission was to strengthen and encourage you in your faith 3so that these troubles don’t disturb any of you. You know that we’re destined to suffer persecution.
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 3:5But when I couldn’t wait any longer, I sent ⌞Timothy⌟ to find out about your faith. I wanted to see whether the tempter had in some way tempted you, making our work meaningless.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17Brothers and sisters, we have been separated from you for a little while. Although we may not be able to see you, you’re always in our thoughts. We have made every possible effort to fulfill our desire to see you.
- Jeremiah 20:9I think to myself, “I can forget the Lord and no longer speak his name.” But ⌞his word⌟ is inside me like a burning fire shut up in my bones. I wear myself out holding it in, but I can’t do it any longer.
- Jeremiah 44:22The Lord could no longer bear the wicked and detestable things you did. That is why your land has become something ruined, destroyed, and cursed. No one lives in that land today.
- 2 Corinthians 2:13But I didn’t have any peace of mind, because I couldn’t find Titus, our brother, there. So I said goodbye to the people in Troas and went to the province of Macedonia.
- 2 Corinthians 11:29When anyone is weak, I’m weak too. When anyone is caught in a trap, I’m also harmed.
- Acts 17:15The men who escorted Paul took him all the way to the city of Athens. When the men left Athens, they took instructions back to Silas and Timothy to join Paul as soon as possible.
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
God’s Word Translation — © 1995 God’s Word to the Nations Bible Society
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