1 Thessalonians 3:1

Text (1 Thessalonians 3:1)

1 Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone;

Translation and Paraphrase

1.

Wherefore (on account of your being so dear to us, and the fact that I could not personally return to you), when we could no longer conceal (and endure the pain of being separated from you), we thought it (would be) good to be left behind at Athens alone (rather than to continue suffering anxiety over you).

Notes (1 Thessalonians 3:1)

1.

Christians frequently discover that things do not work out as they sincerely believe they should. God often leads us in paths not of our own choosing, and not according to the way we understand things. Of course, God knows best and can foresee the future, and always works things out for the best. Romans 8:28.

Paul probably thought very sincerely that it was the will of God that he return to Thessalonica. But God did not open up the way (and when Satan blocks us, only God can open the way). Meanwhile his fears about the young Thessalonian Christians were heaping up day after day.

2.

Finally Paul could stand the anxiety no more, and decided that it would be better for him to remain at Athens alone, than to enjoy the assistance of Timothy and continue worrying about the Thessalonians. So Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica from Athens. For further details about the moves of Paul, Timothy, and Silas at this time, see Introductory Section VI, paragraphs 16 to 20.

3.

When Paul says that we could no longer forbear, it is certain that he was speaking only of himself. He could not have been left alone if Silas or other helpers had been with him. Writers often refer to themselves as we (an editorial we). It does not sound as boastful to say, We did something, as to say, I did it.

4.

The word translated forbear (Gr., stego) means cover, cover up with silence, bear up against, endure, bear, forbear. (Thayer) Paul finally reached the point where he could not cover up his fears about the Thessalonians. He had to do something.

5.

Although Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica from Athens, he wrote this epistle from Corinth later.