1 Thessalonians 3:3,4

Text (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)

3 that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed. 4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

Translation and Paraphrase

3.

(I sent Timothy unto you) so that none (of you) would be shaken about (and distressed) by these troubles (which you are having). For you yourselves know that (in God's arrangement of things) we are appointed unto this (very) thing (affliction).

4.

For (you surely remember that) even while we were (still) with you, (that) we kept telling you before (anything had yet happened), that we (as Christians) were certain to be pressed (with afflictions), just as it (soon) came to pass, and (as) you know (very well how) it has happened, (Therefore, do not be disturbed by this turn of events.)

Notes (1 Thessalonians 3:3-4)

1.

Often when people become Christians and discover that they experience trouble and sorrow afterwards, they wonder if they have made a mistake, They wonder if they are actually saved, thinking that their sufferings are an indication of God's judgment upon them.

2.

But notice that Paul says in these verses that we are actually appointed in God's arrangement of things to suffer tribulation. The we refers to all Christians. Let them all hear it.

The words tribulation and affliction come from the Greek thlipsis and mean a pressing, pressing together, pressure, oppression, affliction, distress, etc. (Thayer) Tribulation is our lot as Christians.

John 16:33In the world we shall have tribulation.

Acts 14:22We enter into the kingdom of God through much tribulation. See also John 15:18-19; Mark 10:30.

3.

But let us remember that God is not the instigator of all our troubles. God did not bring the sufferings of Job upon him. The devil did it. (See Job, Chapter s 1 and 2.) If Job had accused God of hurting him, Job would have accused God foolishly. Job 1:22. Christians are appointed to suffer, probably because the evil world cannot stand the contrast of sanctified lives to its wickedness. God permits this evil to exist, but the time is coming when God will punish those who afflict us, and give rest to those who are afflicted. 2 Thessalonians 1:6-7.

4.

We are happy to report that Paul's hope that the Thessalonians had not been moved by affliction was found to be a fact. 2 Thessalonians 1:4. They did continue to bear their tribulations without giving up the faith. It is possible for suffering people to be victorious over persecutions, so that no man should be moved (or shaken) by these afflictions.

5.

Paul seems to have had to jog the memory of the Thessalonians several times. In this verse he asks, Don-'t you remember how that while I was with you I told you that we would have Suffering? Compare 2 Thessalonians 2:5; 2 Thessalonians 3:10. Such verses as Acts 14:22 indicate that Paul did indeed warn his converts of tribulation to come.