Bible Commentaries
1 Thessalonians 3

Verse 1

1 Thessalonians 3:1 . Διὸ μηκέτι στέγοντες , wherefore no longer being able to forbear ) This is resumed at 1 Thessalonians 3:5 , as if after a parenthesis. μόνοι , alone ) Observe how highly Timothy was esteemed, since at Timothy’s departure Paul and Silas seemed to themselves to be alone, inasmuch as in a city altogether estranged from God. Comp. Ord. temp., p. 278 [Exodus 2:0 , p. 239].

Verse 2

1 Thessalonians 3:2 . Ἐπέμψαμεν , we sent ) I and Sylvanus sent.

Verse 3

1 Thessalonians 3:3 . Σαίνεσθαι ) [that no man should be moved , seduced and cajoled out of his faith]: σαίνω from σέω , to move . Eustathius shows, that it is properly applied to dogs, when they fawn by wagging the tail; [11] by metaphor ΕἸς ΤΟῪς ὙΠΟΎΛΟΙς ΚΑῚ ΚΟΛΑΚΙΚΟῪς , applied to those that are deceitful at heart and prone to flatter; and this is obviously the idea here. For in afflictions, relatives and opponents, and the heart itself, mingle their flatteries, and when these are overcome, believers are confirmed. ταὺταις , in these (present) afflictions) The present time. κείμεθα , we lie, i.e. are set, are appointed unto this) An argument from our calling: comp. ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:9 , God ἔθετο , hath appointed us .

[11] So Latin ceveo in Persius; Th. cieo, to move or shake , as σαίνω from σέω , σείω . ED.

Verse 5

1 Thessalonians 3:5 . Ὁ πειράζων , the tempter ) i.e. Satan, ch. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 . The expression contains an Euphemism. Often this enemy is near [lurks underneath] when one would not think that he is. Comp. at Matthew 4:3 .

Verse 6

1 Thessalonians 3:6 . Ἄρτι , now ) Immediately after the arrival of Timothy, he writes these things with fresh joy and the most tender affection. Consonant with this is the εὐαγγελισαμένου , a striking participle. ἐπιποθοῦντες , desiring greatly [having a yearning desire]) This is the sign of a good conscience.

Verse 7

1 Thessalonians 3:7 . Διὰ τῆς πίστεως , by faith ) Construe this with παρεκλήθημεν , we were comforted .

Verse 8

1 Thessalonians 3:8 . Νῦν ζῶμεν , now we live ) now we feel that we are alive. The form of testifying the highest joy; comp. Psalms 63:4 .

Verse 10

1 Thessalonians 3:10 . Νυκτὸς , night ) Alluding to his holy thoughts during the night, 2 Timothy 1:3 . τὰ ὑστερήματα , the things which are wanting ) [the deficiency, that which is lacking]. Even the Thessalonians had points in which they were in need of improvement.

Verse 11

1 Thessalonians 3:11 . Αὐτὸς , Himself ) Both epistles to the Thessalonians have almost all the several chapters singly sealed and distinguished by single breathings of prayer [each chapter sealed with its own prayer], ch. 1 Thessalonians 5:23 ; 2Th 1:11 ; 2 Thessalonians 2:16 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:5 ; 2 Thessalonians 3:16 . Ἰησοῦς , Jesus ) Prayers and vows are also addressed to Jesus Christ; for the word κατευθύναι , direct , extends both to Him [as the subject] and to the Father: comp. 2 Thessalonians 2:16-17 .

Verse 12

1 Thessalonians 3:12 . Ὑμᾶς , you ) whether we come or not. πλεονάσαι καὶ περισσεύσαη ) On the difference between these two words, comp. 2 Corinthians 4:15 , note. [12] καὶ ἡμεῖς , even we ) namely, even as we are full of love [towards you].

[12] πλεονάζω has a positive force: περισσεύω , the force of a comparative: The Lord make you full and even abound . ED.

Verse 13

1 Thessalonians 3:13 . Μετὰ , with ) Construe with ἐν τῇ παρουσίᾳ , at the coming; comp. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 . πάντων τῶν ἁγίων , with all the saints ) This phrase comprehends angels and the elect of the earth. αὐτοῦ , His ) Christ’s, Acts 9:13 .