New International Version
1 Thessalonians 3:1
1So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.
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;
- 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,
- 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
So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 2We 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, 3so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them.
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 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.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.
- Jeremiah 20:9But if I say, “I will not mention his word or speak anymore in his name,” his word is in my heart like a fire, a fire shut up in my bones. I am weary of holding it in; indeed, I cannot.
- Jeremiah 44:22When the Lord could no longer endure your wicked actions and the detestable things you did, your land became a curse and a desolate waste without inhabitants, as it is today.
- 2 Corinthians 2:13I still had no peace of mind, because I did not find my brother Titus there. So I said goodbye to them and went on to Macedonia.
- 2 Corinthians 11:29Who is weak, and I do not feel weak? Who is led into sin, and I do not inwardly burn?
- Acts 17:15Those who escorted Paul brought him to Athens and then left with instructions for Silas and Timothy to join him 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
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