1 Thessalonians 3:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone,

NIV: So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.

NASB: Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it best to be left behind, alone at Athens,

CSB: Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens.

NLT: Finally, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to stay alone in Athens,

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

NKJV: Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,

Paul was unable to return to Thessalonica when he wanted to, and he lacked the company of Timothy and Silas at Athens. He had traveled to Athens from Berea, where Timothy and Silas stayed. He had reached Athens under unfavorable circumstances, because Jewish agitators from Thessalonica had stirred up crowds against him at Berea. Subsequently, some Christians at Berea had accompanied Paul to Athens before they returned to Berea (Acts 17:13–15).

Athens was a prominent Greek city known for its rich culture, intellectual climate, advanced learning, and sophisticated Areopagus court. But Athens was steeped in idolatry, which Paul noted when he was there and referred to when he preached to the court. He declared: "Men of Athens, I perceive that in every way you are very religious. For as I passed along and observed the objects of your worship, I found also an altar with this inscription, 'To the unknown god.' What therefore you worship as unknown, this I proclaim to you" (Acts 17:22–23). Paul followed this declaration by preaching about the one true God and His risen Son (Acts 17:24–31). Upon hearing Paul's sermon, some philosophers mocked, some wanted to hear from him later, and some believed (Acts 17:32–34).

First Thessalonians 3:1–5 tells the Thessalonian Christians that Paul willingly stayed alone in Athens in order to dispatch Timothy to Thessalonica to help them progress in their faith. He reminds them that they should not be surprised when persecution strikes them. Persecution is part of the Christian experience. He had predicted such affliction when he was in Thessalonica. Now that he was absent from them he was concerned that the Devil might have tempted them, thereby disrupting what Paul's ministry had begun.

In chapter 3, Paul completes his discussion of the current state of the church in Thessalonica. After sending Timothy, Paul has received confirmation that the believers there are standing firm in their faith. Their devotion to the gospel is surviving, despite the persecutions which Paul predicted would arise. Paul once again thanks the Thessalonians for their faithfulness and prays for their continual growth.

Chapter 3 concludes Paul's comments about the condition of the Thessalonian church. These began in chapter 1 and were given more details in chapters 2 and 3. Here, Paul expresses his joy that the Thessalonians are enduring persecution faithfully, and he prays that they will continue to grow. In the following chapters, Paul will address some of the concerns plaguing the Thessalonians, including worries about the end times.

The apostle Paul's second missionary journey included a visit to the prominent Greek city of Thessalonica. This stood alongside a major land route and boasted a busy seaport. A number of individuals believed Paul's message (Acts 17:1–4), but an angry mob forced Paul to leave the city after his brief stay. Later, while in Athens, Paul received a glowing report: the believers at Thessalonica were growing spiritually and serving God fervently. However, they had questions about the Lord's return, including what happens to a believer who dies before that day. And, as all churches do, they had some areas in which they were falling short. In Paul's first letter to the Thessalonians, written about AD 51, he addresses these developments. Paul expresses gratitude for the Thessalonian believers' spiritual progress, and frequently makes references to Christ's impending return.