3:1 Paul's Feelings Toward the Thessalonians
SUMMARY OF I THESSALONIANS 3:
Paul in His Great Solicitude Sent Timothy to Them. The Joy That Timothy's Report Gave Him. His Prayer to See Them Face to Face. A Prayer for Them.
When we could no longer forbear. The closing verses of chapter 2 show Paul's great desire to see them, as a father to see his suffering children (see 1Th 2:11). Hindered (1Th 2:18), he at last thought it good to be left alone at Athens (Ac 18:1-5).
3:1 We - Paul and Silvanus. Could bear no longer - Our desire and fear for you.
3:1-5 The more we find pleasure in the ways of God, the more we shall desire to persevere therein. The apostle's design was to establish and comfort the Thessalonians as to the object of their faith, that Jesus Christ was the Saviour of the world; and as to the recompence of faith, which was more than enough to make up all their losses, and to reward all their labours. But he feared his labours would be in vain. If the devil cannot hinder ministers from labouring in the word and doctrine, he will, if possible, hinder the success of their labours. No one would willingly labour in vain. It is the will and purpose of God, that we enter into his kingdom through many afflictions. And the apostles, far from flattering people with the expectation of worldly prosperity in religion, told them plainly they must count upon trouble in the flesh. Herein they followed the example of their great Master, the Author of our faith. Christians were in danger, and they should be forewarned; they will thus be kept from being improved by any devices of the tempter.
