1 Thessalonians 3:4 kjv
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
1 Thessalonians 3:4 nkjv
For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
1 Thessalonians 3:4 niv
In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.
1 Thessalonians 3:4 esv
For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
1 Thessalonians 3:4 nlt
Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come ? and they did, as you well know.
1 Thessalonians 3 4 Cross References
| Verse | Text | Reference |
|---|---|---|
| 1 Thessalonians 3 | ...Paul rejoiced in Timothy's report. | 1 Thes 3:9 (Thanksgiving) |
| Hebrews 12 | ...we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us... | Heb 12:1 (Encouragement in trials) |
| Romans 5 | Therefore, since we are justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ. We also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. | Rom 5:3-4 (Suffering produces hope) |
| Philippians 1 | I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has really served to advance the gospel, so that it has become known throughout the whole imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. | Phil 1:12-13 (Imprisonment advancing the gospel) |
| 1 Corinthians 10 | No temptation has overtaken you that is not common to man. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation he will also provide a way of escape, that you may be able to endure it. | 1 Cor 10:13 (God provides a way of escape) |
| James 1 | Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing. | Jas 1:2-4 (Trials produce steadfastness) |
| 2 Timothy 3 | Indeed, all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted... | 2 Tim 3:12 (Persecution is expected) |
| Matthew 5 | “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven." | Matt 5:10 (Beatitudes on persecution) |
| Acts 14 | After they had preached the gospel to that city and had made many disciples, they returned to Lystra and to Iconium and Antioch, strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God. | Acts 14:21-22 (Strengthening disciples through tribulations) |
| Romans 8 | For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. | Rom 8:18 (Present sufferings vs. future glory) |
| Ephesians 6 | Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of his might. Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil. | Eph 6:10-11 (Standing against the schemes of the devil) |
| 2 Thessalonians 1 | ...so that you may be able to endure the present hardships and so running with endurance the race that is set before us. | 2 Thes 1:4-5 (Endurance in hardships) |
| 1 Peter 5 | ...though your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. But you must resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are required of your brotherhood throughout the world. | 1 Pet 5:8-9 (Resist the devil, firm in faith) |
| Colossians 2 | ...that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s secrets, namely, Christ... | Col 2:2 (Encouraging hearts) |
| Acts 17 | Paul and his companions traveled to Thessalonica, preaching the gospel. Some believed, while others opposed them, leading to persecution. | Acts 17:1-9 (Initial ministry in Thessalonica) |
| 2 Thessalonians 2 | And that the message of the Lord will spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you, and that we will be rescued from wicked and evil people. | 2 Thes 2:1 (The spread of the gospel) |
| Galatians 6 | Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. | Gal 6:9 (Not growing weary in doing good) |
| Philippians 4 | Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. | Phil 4:6-7 (Peace through prayer) |
| 1 Corinthians 15 | For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God... | 1 Cor 15:2 (Salvation by grace) |
| John 15 | If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. | John 15:18-19 (The world's hatred of believers) |
1 Thessalonians 3 verses
1 Thessalonians 3 4 Meaning
When we were in Thessalonica, Paul had sent Timothy to them to strengthen and encourage them in their faith. This verse speaks about the purpose of that visit and what Timothy was to achieve there: to ensure that no one would be unsettled or lose heart in their present trials and persecutions.
1 Thessalonians 3 4 Context
The Apostle Paul, having recently established the church in Thessalonica and then being forced to flee due to persecution (Acts 17:5-9), was concerned for the spiritual well-being of these new believers. He sent Timothy, his trusted companion, to check on them. This verse reveals the specific instructions given to Timothy: to confirm their faith and, critically, to ensure that their current tribulations would not cause them to despair or waver in their commitment to Christ. The Thessalonian Christians were facing significant opposition and suffering for their faith, and Paul's primary aim in sending Timothy was to provide encouragement and stability amidst these challenges.
1 Thessalonians 3 4 Word analysis
- "that": (Greek: hina) - This particle introduces a purpose clause, indicating the reason for Timothy's mission.
- "no one": (Greek: mēdeis) - Literally "not even one," emphasizing the universal goal of preventing any individual from being moved.
- "be moved": (Greek: saleuō) - To shake, move to and fro, agitate, or unsettle. It implies a loss of stability and steadfastness. This word is used in various contexts to describe physical shaking (like an earthquake) or emotional/spiritual disturbance.
- "should": (Greek: gar) - While translated as "should" in some English versions, its function here is causal or explanatory, connecting back to the overall purpose. Some translations use "lest," conveying the preventative nature of Timothy's mission.
- "be disturbed": (Greek: thlipsis) - While thlipsis primarily means tribulation or affliction, here, when referring to people, it carries the sense of being pressed down by, or troubled due to, afflictions. It points to the internal response to external pressures.
- "by these afflictions": (Greek: en tois thlipsesin toutois) - Refers directly to the specific persecutions and difficulties the Thessalonian believers were experiencing at that time. The word thlipsis signifies pressure, crushing, tribulation, distress, and affliction.
Words-group by words-group analysis:
- "that no one should be moved by these afflictions": This phrase succinctly captures the essence of Paul's concern. The purpose of Timothy's visit was to counteract the potential for discouragement and wavering caused by external pressures (afflictions). It underscores the fragile nature of faith when tested and the need for divine and human encouragement. The "afflictions" were not meant to defeat them, but rather their resilience in the face of these afflictions was the concern.
1 Thessalonians 3 4 Bonus section
The concern expressed here by Paul echoes the ongoing pastoral responsibilities of ministers and elders within the church. The need to strengthen the faith of believers in times of testing is a perpetual mandate. This verse also implicitly speaks to the understanding that persecution was an expected part of early Christian life, rather than an anomaly, a theme thoroughly explored throughout the New Testament. The effectiveness of Timothy's report to Paul, as mentioned in the preceding verse (3:6), indicates the importance of reliable communication and visitation within the body of Christ for maintaining unity and strength.
1 Thessalonians 3 4 Commentary
Paul understood that new faith, especially when subjected to severe testing, is vulnerable. His objective in dispatching Timothy was to provide pastoral care and doctrinal reinforcement. Timothy’s presence was meant to be a tangible manifestation of God's care and Paul's affection, assuring the Thessalonians that they were not forgotten. The aim was to fortify them spiritually, equipping them to stand firm despite the hardship. This act highlights the importance of church leadership in encouraging perseverance through difficult times. It is not about preventing afflictions, but about ensuring believers are not overcome by them.
- Practical Usage: When facing trials, believers should remember they are not alone, and that steadfast faith is developed through perseverance, not avoidance of suffering. Seeking encouragement from spiritual leaders and fellow believers is vital.