New Living Translation
1 Thessalonians 3:1
1Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone 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;
- 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
Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens, 2and we sent Timothy to visit you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in proclaiming the Good News of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you, to encourage you in your faith, 3and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles.
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 3:5That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.
- 1 Thessalonians 2:17Dear brothers and sisters, after we were separated from you for a little while (though our hearts never left you), we tried very hard to come back because of our intense longing to see you again.
- Jeremiah 20:9But if I say I’ll never mention the Lord or speak in his name, his word burns in my heart like a fire. It’s like a fire in my bones! I am worn out trying to hold it in! I can’t do it!
- Jeremiah 44:22It was because the Lord could no longer bear all the disgusting things you were doing that he made your land an object of cursing—a desolate ruin without inhabitants—as it is today.
- 2 Corinthians 2:13But I had no peace of mind because my dear brother Titus hadn’t yet arrived with a report from you. So I said good-bye and went on to Macedonia to find him.
- 2 Corinthians 11:29Who is weak without my feeling that weakness? Who is led astray, and I do not burn with anger?
- Acts 17:15Those escorting Paul went with him all the way to Athens; then they returned to Berea with instructions for Silas and Timothy to hurry and join him.
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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