Preface: Paul notes that there were serious persecutions and afflictions occurring in Thessalonica, so he sent Timothy to check out the situation and to do some teaching. By the time of this letter, Timothy had returned to Paul. It was clear from Timothy’s report that this young church was dealing well with these pressures. Paul indicates his desire to return to Thessalonica.

Bible Summary: We sent Timothy to strengthen you. We warned you that persecution would come. We are encouraged by your faith. May you grow in love.

This should be the most extensive examination of 1Thessalonians 3 available, where you will be able to examine in depth every word of the original text.

Brief Overview:

Outline of Chapter 3:

Preface

Introduction

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Chapter Summary

Addendum

Charts, Graphics and Short Doctrines:

         Preface               Preface

         Preface               Brief Overview

         Preface               Quotations

         Introduction         Titles and/or Brief Descriptions of 1Thessalonians 3 (by Various Commentators)

         Introduction         Brief, but insightful observations of 1Thessalonians 3 (various commentators)

         Introduction         Fundamental Questions About 1Thessalonians 3

         Introduction 

         Introduction         The Prequel to 1Thessalonians 3

         Introduction         The Principals of 1Thessalonians 3

         Introduction         The Places of 1Thessalonians 3

         Introduction         By the Numbers

         Introduction         A Synopsis of 1Thessalonians 3

         Introduction         Outlines and Summaries of 1Thessalonians 3 (Various Commentators)

         Introduction         A Synopsis of 1Thessalonians 3 from the Summarized Bible

         Introduction 

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         Introduction         The Big Picture (1Thessalonians –)

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         Introduction         Changes—additions and subtractions

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         Summary            A Set of Summary Doctrines and Commentary

         Summary            Why 1Thessalonians 3 is in the Word of God

         Summary            What We Learn from 1Thessalonians 3

         Summary            Jesus Christ in 1Thessalonians 3

         Summary 

         Summary 

         Addendum          A Complete Translation of 1Thessalonians 3

         Addendum 

         Addendum          Doctrinal Teachers Who Have Taught 1Thessalonians 3

         Addendum          Word Cloud from the Kukis Paraphrase of 1Thessalonians 3

         Addendum          Word Cloud from Exegesis of 1Thessalonians 3

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An Introduction to 1Thessalonians 3

I ntroduction: 1Thessalonians 3 is one of the shortest chapters in the Bible (it is a scant 13 verses long); and, just as we have previously studied, there is much personal interaction recorded in this chapter. Paul alludes to Timothy having been sent to Thessalonica to check our the circumstances, and Paul’s letter appears to be written as a result of Timothy’s report.

Paul is clearly worried about this new church holding up under all of the pressures and opposition that they are facing, but having heard Timothy’s report, he is quite hopeful, that the Thessalonians are progressing well despite the problems which they are facing.

Paul indicates that he would really like to return to them and teach them face to face.

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Here is how others have translated this verse:

Ancient texts:                       I will use the Westcott-Hort Greek text as the basis for my English translation. I use that test primarily because e-sword has a nice module by Rob Wolfram which has the interlinear English text, Strong’s #’s, and the Greek morphology. The e-sword tab is IWH+P. I do not use their English text for my translation. Also, throughout, I take in consideration alternate readings.

As a young Christian, I was quite interested in the alternative readings. After many decades of study, I have found that, as with the Hebrew text, disputed readings rarely have any affect on the interpretation of a text (apart from perhaps a half-dozen fairly well-known alternate readings, like the end of the book of Mark).

I will compare the Greek text to English translations of the Latin and Syriac (= Aramaic) texts, using the Douay-Rheims translation and George Lamsa’s translation from the Syriac. I often update these texts with non-substantive changes (e.g., you for thou, etc.).

In general, the Latin text is an outstanding translation from the Hebrew text into Latin and very trustworthy (I say this as a non-Catholic). Unfortunately, I do not read Latin—apart from some very obvious words—so I am dependent upon the English translation of the Latin (principally, the Douay-Rheims translation).

The Septuagint and the Dead Sea Scrolls are irrelevant, as they preceded the writing of the New Testament by over 200 years.

Underlined words indicate differences in the text.

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    Consequently, no longer are [we] bearing up (under suffering), we were willing to be forsaken in Athens alone, and we sent Timotheos, the brother of us and a servant of the God in the declaration of the Christ, to the stabilizing of you (all) and to console [you] for the sake of the faith of yours, that no (man) keep on agitating you (all) in the pressures—these, for you [your] selves have seen that to this (thing) we have been appointed.

Complete Apostles’ Bible      Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we were well pleased to be left behind in Athens alone,

and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, in order to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

that no one should be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed unto this.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) For which cause, forbearing no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens alone.

And we sent Timothy, our brother and the minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and exhort you concerning your faith:

That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic T.     .

Eastern Aramaic Mnscrpts     .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT And, because we could no longer endure it, we were willing to be left alone at Athens,

and to send to you Timothy our brother, a servant of God, and our assistant in the announcement of the Messiah; that he might strengthen you, and inquire of you respecting your faith:

lest any of you should be disheartened by these afflictions; for ye know, that we are appointed thereto.

Original Aramaic NT              And because we did not resist, we chose to remain in Athens by ourselves,

And we sent Timotheaus our brother to you, a Minister of God and our helper in The Good News* of The Messiah, that he might strengthen you and inquire* of you concerning your faith,

Lest any of you should lose hope by such sufferings, for you are aware that we are appointed to this.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

English Translations:          I have included translations which I disagree with and footnotes that I do not necessarily agree with. If I believe that the author is too far from the truth, I may even address that at the footnote. However, nearly all of the correct commentary will be found following the Greek text box and the translation of each phrase.

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             At last our desire to have news of you was so strong that, while we ourselves were waiting at Athens, We sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the good news of Christ, to give you strength and comfort in your faith; So that no man might be moved by these troubles; because you see that these things are part of God's purpose for us.

Bible in Worldwide English     We felt we could not wait any longer. So we thought it best to stay at the city of Athens alone.

And we sent our brother Timothy to you. He works for God by telling the good news about Christ. We sent him to help you be strong and to encourage you in what you believe.

We do not want anyone to give up because of the trouble. You yourselves know that we all will surely have trouble.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  We could not come to you, but it was very hard to wait any longer. So we decided to send Timothy to you and stay in Athens alone. Timothy is our brother. He works with us for God to tell people the Good News about Christ. We sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. We sent him so that none of you would be upset by the troubles we have now. You yourselves know that we must have these troubles.

God’s Word™                         We thought it best to remain in Athens by ourselves. But, because we couldn't wait any longer for news about you, we sent our brother Timothy to you. He serves God by spreading the Good News about Christ. His mission was to strengthen and encourage you in your faith so that these troubles don't disturb any of you. You know that we're destined to suffer persecution.

Good News Bible (TEV)         Finally, we could not bear it any longer. So we decided to stay on alone in Athens while we sent Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in preaching the Good News about Christ. We sent him to strengthen you and help your faith, so that none of you should turn back because of these persecutions. You yourselves know that such persecutions are part of God's will for us.

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       Finally, we couldn't stand it any longer. We decided to stay in Athens by ourselves and send our friend Timothy to you. He works with us as God's servant and preaches the good news about Christ. We wanted him to make you strong in your faith and to encourage you. We didn't want any of you to be discouraged by all these troubles. You knew we would have to suffer, because when we were with you, we told you this would happen. And we did suffer, as you well know. V. 4 is included for context.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        When we could bear it no longer, we decided that we would remain in Athens and send Timothy in our place. He is our beloved brother and coworker with God in preaching the gospel. We knew he would strengthen your faith and encourage your hearts so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions, for you know that we are destined for this.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  As a result of that, when I could no longer endure worrying about you, I decided that Silas and I would stay behind alone in the city of Athens, and we sent Timothy to you. You know that he is our close associate and also works for God by proclaiming the good news about the Messiah. Silas and I sent him in order that he would urge you to continue to strongly trust in the Messiah. We did not want any of you to turn away from the Messiah in fear because of what you were suffering. You well know that God knew that others would mistreat us because of the Messiah.

Williams’ New Testament      So when I could not bear it any longer, I decided to be left behind in Athens alone, and so I sent my brother Timothy, God's minister in the preaching of the good news of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that none of you might be deceived amid these difficulties. For you knew yourselves that this is our appointed lot, for when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we were going to be pressed with difficulties, and it took place, as you know. V. 4 is included for context.

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            For this reason, no longer being able to stand it, it seemed like a good idea to us to be left in Athens alone. And I sent Timothy (our brother and a co-worker of God in the good news of the Anointed King) for the "to establish you and to encourage you on behalf of your trust" part, the "for no one to be swayed in these hard times" thing. You see, you yourselves realize that we are lying here for this; for even when we were with you, we were telling you beforehand that we are going to be going through hard times, just as it also happened, and you have seen it. V. 4 is included for context.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           And for this reason when we could no longer take it, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother minister of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and comfort you in your faith, so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions, for you yourselves know that we all are placed into this.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles Wherefore, no longer concealing our anxiety, we were well pleased to be left at Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother, and a minister of God, and our fellow-laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to exhort you concerning your faith: that no one should be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that we are appointed to them.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament .

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Ferrar-Fenton Bible                .

Free Bible Version                 So when we couldn’t bear it any longer, we decided it would be best for us to stay behind in Athens, and send Timothy on to you. He is our brother and God’s co-worker in spreading the good news of Christ. We sent him to strengthen and encourage you in your trust in God so that none of you would be upset by your troubles—for you know we should expect such things.

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

International Standard V        Therefore, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to remain alone in Athens and send Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in the gospel of the Messiah, [Or Christ; other mss. lack of the Messiah] to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions, for which you are aware that we were destined.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     And so, when I could no longer bear it, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens, all alone. I sent Timothy, my brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to hearten you in your faith. So that no one should be shaken by these troubles—for you know well that we are appointed to troubles.

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      .

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    Therefore, when we could no longer bear it, we thought it was good to be left behind at Athens alone. And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and comfort you regarding your faith, [ Some other versions read, we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ. ] so that no one would be shaken by these sufferings. For you yourselves know that for this we have been appointed.

Urim-Thummim Version         Therefore when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone; And sent Timotheus, our brother and servant of Elohim, and our fellow laborer in the Good News of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you concerning your Faith: That no one should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed.

Weymouth New Testament    So when we could endure it no longer, we decided to remain behind in Athens alone; and sent Timothy our brother and God's minister in the service of Christ's Good News, that he might help you spiritually and encourage you in your faith; that none of you might be unnerved by your present trials: for you yourselves know that they are our appointed lot.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    .

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)     .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

exeGeses companion Bible   .

Hebraic Roots Bible               So, because we could no longer stand these obstacles, we decided to remain in Athens alone, and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of Elohim, and our fellow worker in the good news of Messiah, in order to establish you and to encourage you concerning your faith, that no one be drawn aside by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    We decided to stay behind alone in Athens. But, when we could wait no longer, we sent Timothy. He is our brother and God’s co-worker for the Good News of Christ. We wanted him to help your faith and make you strong. We didn’t want anyone to be shaken by these troubles. You know that we must be ready for this.

The Scriptures 2009              So, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,  and sent Timotiyos, our brother and servant of Elohim, and our fellow worker in the Good News of Messiah, to establish you and encourage you concerning your belief,  that no one should be unsettled by these pressures, for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

Tree of Life Version                .

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...so no more Enduring [We] favor to be left in athens* Only and [We] send timothy the brother [of] us and [man] working (together) [of] the god in the news (good) [of] the christ to the+ {him} to establish you* and to call (near) {you*} for the faith [of] you* {is necessary} the+ no [man] to be shaken in the afflictions these You* for have seen for to this [We] lie...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   Through-which, being able no-longer to withstand it, we deem- it- good to be left-along-down from-within Athens, alone,

and we direct Timothy, he from the same-womb as us, even a runner of errands of God, and our undertaker-together, from-within the announcing-of-the-Good-Tidings of the Anointed One, to steady yous and to call- yous -by concerning you all's confidence,

that no-one is to be moved from-within these oppressions, for yous have perceived, certainly-of-what we ~stand for this-same thing.

Concordant Literal Version    Wherefore, when we could by no means longer refrain, it seems well for us to be left in Athens alone,

and we send Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the evangel of Christ, to establish and to console you for the sake of your faith."

No one is to be swayed by these afflictions, for you yourselves are aware that we are located for this."

exeGeses companion Bible   THE HOLINESS OF THE TRUSTERS

So when we could no longer endure,

we well-approved to be left alone at Asos;

and sent Timo Theos

our brother and minister of Elohim

and our co-worker in the evangelism of the Messiah

to establish you and to console you

concerning your trust:

that no one be shaken in these tribulations:

for you yourselves know that we are set thereto.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we resolved to be left behind alone in Athens.

Also we sent Timotiyos, acheinu and fellow po'el of Hashem in the Besuras HaGeulah of Moshiach. We sent Timotiyos in order to give you chozek (strength) and to speak divrei chizzuk to you on behalf of our [orthodox Jewish] Emunah [of the true Dat haYehudit].

This was for the tachlis that no one be unsettled because of ES TZARAH. For you yourselves have da'as that we have a divine calendar date with ES TZARAH.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   So, when we could not stand it any longer [Note: Paul’s concern for the spiritual well-being of the Thessalonian Christians became unbearable], we [i.e., I, See verse 5] thought it best to be left behind, alone, at Athens [Note: Paul was willing to labor alone at Athens, so he could send his fellow-workers to minister to others. See Acts 17], and so we [i.e., I] sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow-worker in [the ministry of] the Gospel, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be shaken by [having to experience] these difficult times. [See 2:14]. For you yourselves know that we are destined to have such experiences.

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             Wherefore (or: For this reason), no longer keeping a lid on [our desires] (or: bearing it no longer), we thought it a good idea to be left down alone in Athens,

and then sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow-worker in Christ's message of ease and goodness, to perhaps set you firmly (make you stable) and possibly call you alongside (to aid, encourage, exhort, console and give relief) over the [situation] of your trust and faith (or: conviction and loyalty),

that no one be continuously wagged as a tail (= shaken or agitated) within these pressures (contractions, constrictions; oppressions), for you yourselves have seen and are aware that we are continually laid into (= repeatedly destined and set for) this!

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with a Lot of Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         Paul Sends Timothy to Thessalonica

Therefore when we [*Here “when ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“could bear”) which is understood as temporal] could bear it no longer, we determined to be left behind in Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen and to encourage you about your faith, so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed for this, for indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were about to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and you know. V. 4 is included for context.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

The Spoken English NT         So, when we couldn’t stand it anymore, we thought it was best that we stay behind in Athens by ourselves.

And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s helper^a in the good news of Christ. He came to strengthen you, and to encourage you in^b your faith.

That way, none of you would be upset by the persecution you were experiencing.^c After all, you yourselves know that we’re destined for this.

^a.Some very good mss have “servant,” but it’s more probable that the surprising word “helper” has been toned down to “servant” at some point.

^b.Lit. “for the sake of”.

^c.Lit. “by these persecutions”.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     Concern leads to action
So when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, also our fellow worker in the Gospel of Christ, to confirm you and encourage you concerning your faith, that no one be unsettled by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.¹

(1) We are appointed to affliction in this life. How many sermons have you heard on this topic? If the Son learned obedience through suffering (Heb. 5:8), how about us? “Whom the LORD loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives” (Heb. 12:6). Have you ever been scourged, literally? I have—I didn’t enjoy it.

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  Accordingly, when we could not bear to wait any longer, we thought it best for us to be left in Athens alone; And we sent our brother Timothy, a servant of God and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, in order to establish you and to encourage you concerning your faith, So that no one might be unduly shaken by these persecutions. (For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this very thing; And also, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we would suffer persecutions, exactly as it also came to pass; and you are aware of this.)  V. 4 is included for context.

Analytical-Literal Translation  For this reason, when we could no longer endure [it], we thought [it] best to be left in Athens alone, and we sent Timothy (our brother and a servant [or, deacon] of God and our co-worker in the Gospel of Christ) to establish [fig., strengthen] you_p and to encourage you_p concerning yourp faith, [that] no one be disturbed by these afflictions [or, trials], for you_p yourselves know that we are appointed for this.

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bond Slave Version               .

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             Wherefore not being able to bear any longer, we acquiesced in being left alone in Athens, and sent Timothy our brother, and a minister of God, and our fellow labourer in the glad tidings of the Christ, to establish you and comfort you concerning your belief; that none of you might be staggered by those afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

Context Group Version          Therefore when we could no longer endure, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone; and sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker under God in the Imperial News of the Anointed, to establish you (pl), and to comfort [you (pl)] concerning your (pl) trust; that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that to this we are appointed.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       .

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        .

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  Hence, no longer forbearing it, we were delighted to be left in Athens alone. And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant and our fellow worker in the good-news of the Christ, *that* he might establish you° and to encourage you° concerning your° faith; for no one to be shook up in these afflictions; for* you° yourselves know that we are reserved *for this thing.

Modern KJV                           .

New American Standard B.    .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   Paul's Concern for Their Faith and Prayer for the Church

Therefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, and sent Timothy (Timotheus), our brother and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you(p) and to comfort you(p) concerning your(p) faith, that no man should be moved by these afflictions; for you(p) yourselves(p) know that thereunto we are appointed.

Revised Young's Lit. Trans.   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

Young’s Updated LT             .

The gist of this passage: 

1-3

Translation: Consequently, we are no longer enduring [this circumstance] patiently,...

There are no chapter divisions in the original text, so this goes back to the final verses of 1Thessalonians 2, which read: But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face, because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan hindered us. For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at His coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy. (1Thessalonians 2:17–20; ESV; capitalized)

Paul has very fond memories of the Thessalonians, and he presented them as his crown of boasting (or glorying). The circumstance that Paul is enduring patiently is, he has wanted to come back the Thessalonica, but he has been hindered by Satan from doing so.

Essentially Paul is saying, “We are not going to continue with this situation; so we are going to plan B.”

Translation: ...[so] we were willing to be left behind in Athens alone,...

I do not believe that Paul is staying behind in Athens alone; he is going to sent Timothy, so this indicates that he is going to be without Timothy specifically.

1Thessalonians 3:1 Consequently, we are no longer enduring [this circumstance] patiently, [so] we were willing to be left behind in Athens alone,... (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Translation: ...and [accordingly] we sent Timothy,...

The person that Paul is going to be without is Timothy. Paul considers him a very important part of the team, and he will speak of Timothy throughout the rest of v. 2.

To remind you, Paul and Barnabas went on the first missionary tour together. They had a falling out over John Mark at the beginning of the second missionary tour, so Barnabas traveled with John Mark and Paul traveled with Silas. Along the way, they picked up Timothy. Timothy proved to be a valuable asset and a quick study.

Translation: ...our brother,...

Obviously, to be a part of Paul’s team, Timothy must be a part of the royal family of God. Here, he is called our brother, the personal pronoun referring to Paul and Silas (at least).

Translation: ...a servant of God...

He is called a servant or minister of God. The Greek word is diakonos (διάκονος) [pronounced dee-AK-on-oss] and we take our word deacon from it.

Translation: ...and our co-worker in the proclamation of Christ,...

The words and our coworker are not found in the Westcott Hort text, but they are found in the Byzantine Greek text and the Scrivener Textus Receptus; and I believe that they legitimately belong here.

Timothy has been evangelizing as a part of Paul’s team.

Translation: ...to strengthen you (all)...

Given the difficulties that the Thessalonians are in (to be described a bit more in v. 3), Timothy is being sent to them to strengthen them. The verb is the aorist active infinitive of stêrizô (στηρίζω) [pronounced stay-RIHD-zoh], which means, to turn resolutely in [a certain direction]; to make stable, to place firmly, to set fast, to fix; to strengthen, make firm; to render constant, to confirm (one’s mind). Strong’s #4741.

How is Timothy going to do this? He is not going to come to the Thessalonians and say, “Listen, you guys need to toughen up!” He is going to teach them doctrine.

Based upon what we have here, Timothy is going to teach them a more in-depth approach to Christology and Soteriology—especially referring back to the prophetic passages which speak of the Messiah. Timothy would likely teach these believers about suffering, as they appear to be dealing with persecution and suffering there (you may recall from the book of Acts that Paul received a lot of push back from the Jews there (Acts 17:1–9).

Translation: ...and to [exhort and] console you (all) regarding your faith.

Timothy is going to exhort the believers in Thessalonica, and he will do this with the teaching of doctrine.

Faith here refers to not just what the Christians in Thessalonica believe, but in their doctrines and practices.

1Thessalonians 3:2 ...and [accordingly] we sent Timothy, our brother, a servant of God and our co-worker in the proclamation of Christ, to strengthen you (all) and to [exhort and] console you (all) regarding your faith. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Translation: [It is important] that no one keeps on agitating you (all) with such [undue] pressures.

V. 3 continues v. 2; however, for English sensibilities, I believe it is best to start a new sentence here. That generally requires throwing in a few extra words.

Now, how do the Thessalonians stop the Jews there from agitating them with such undue pressures? (I translated tautais as such). Believers are not in the business of stopping unbelievers from doing their thing. What believers primarily have to do is prepare their inner selves to deal with suffering and difficulties.

So that there is no misunderstanding, Paul did not go looking for pressures and beatings and abusive behavior. In fact, much of Acts is about him encountering that sort of stuff, and moving on to another city. Paul allowed such difficulties to guide him to go from point A (where there is suffering) to point B (a place where Paul needs to evangelize).

The Thessalonians cannot do this. Although it is possible and okay for believers to pick up and move from one place to another; Paul has evangelized a number of people in Thessalonica. He is not saying to them, “Listen, people are not going to like you, so I have bought this farm up in the mountains, and I want you all to join me there.” Paul did not do that. Paul was mobile on a missionary tour; but he did not expect entire populations of believers to pick up and move elsewhere. They will have to remain there; so Timothy will come to them and teach.

Translation: You (all) know [your] selves that [it is] to this thing [that] we have been appointed.

The situation that Paul is in and the things which the Thessalonians are enduring—God has appointed them to that life, to these circumstances, to these pressures.

Application: It is legitimate to pray for pressures to be removed from you; but there are times when God is going to allow those things to rest upon you.

1Thessalonians 3:3 [It is important] that no one keeps on agitating you (all) with such [undue] pressures. You (all) know [your] selves that [it is] to this thing [that] we have been appointed. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

1Thessalonians 3:1–3 Consequently, we are no longer enduring [this circumstance] patiently, [so] we were willing to be left behind in Athens alone, and [accordingly] we sent Timothy, our brother, a servant of God and our co-worker in the proclamation of Christ, to strengthen you (all) and to [exhort and] console you (all) regarding your faith. [It is important] that no one keeps on agitating you (all) with such [undue] pressures. You (all) know [your] selves that [it is] to this thing [that] we have been appointed. (Kukis nearly literal translation)

1Thessalonians 3:1–3 Consequently, we decided not to wait this thing out—your difficulties and pressures—and so we sent Timothy while we remained in Athens without his assistance. Timothy is our brother, he is a servant of God, and he is our coworker here in the declaration of the gospel of the Messiah (Christ). He is coming to strengthen all of you and to exhort you regarding the faith that we share. It is important that you do not allow any person or circumstance to throw you off your game, despite the undue pressures that you are under. It is clear that this is the life to which we all have been assigned. (Kukis paraphrase)

——————————

Here is how others have translated this passage:

Ancient texts:

Westcott-Hort Text (Greek)    For even when face to face with you (all) we were, we were telling you (all) beforehand that we were about to be pressed (down). Just as [we warned], it came to pass and you (all) have seen [this]. Through this (thing), even I hereafter keep on bearing under [such pressure]. I sent [Timothy] to [you all] to know the faith of you (all), not somehow was tempting you (all) the one tempting. And to emptiness might have become the labor of us.

Complete Apostles Bible        For even when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we were going to be afflicted, just as it also happened, and you know.

Because of this, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to learn about your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

Revised Douay-Rheims         .

Douay-Rheims 1899 (Amer.) For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations: as also it is come to pass, and you know.

For this cause also, I, forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth should have tempted you: and our labour should be made vain.

V. Alexander’s Aramaic         .

Eastern Aramaic Manuscript  .

James Murdock’s Syriac NT For also when we were with you, we forewarned you, that we were to be afflicted; as ye know did occur.

Therefore also I could not be quiet, until I sent to learn your faith; lest the Tempter should have tempted you, and our labor have been in vain.

Original Aramaic NT              For also when we were with you, we said to you before that we would be persecuted, just as you know it happened.

Because of this I also did not resist until I sent to know your faith, lest the tempter would tempt you and our labor would be worthless.*.

Plain English Aramaic Bible   .

Lamsa Peshitta (Syriac)         .

Significant differences: 

Limited Vocabulary Translations:

Bible in Basic English             And when we were with you, we said to you that trouble was before us; and so it came about, as you see. 

For this reason, when I was no longer able to keep quiet, I sent to get news of your faith, fearing that you might be tested by the Evil One and that our work might come to nothing.

Bible in Worldwide English     When we were with you, we told you that we would have trouble. Trouble came. And now you know what we said is true. That is why I could not wait any longer. I sent Timothy to find out if you were still believing. I was afraid that Satan had tried you too much. Then our work would have been for nothing.

Easy English                          .

Easy-to-Read Version–2008  Even when we were with you, we told you that we would all have to suffer. And you know that it happened just as we said.

This is why I sent Timothy to you, so that I could know about your faith. I sent him when I could not wait anymore. I was afraid that the devil who tempts people might have defeated you with temptations. Then our hard work would have been wasted.

God’s Word™                         In fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to suffer persecution. And as you know, that's what happened. But when I couldn't wait any longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I wanted to see whether the tempter had in some way tempted you, making our work meaningless.

Good News Bible (TEV)         For while we were still with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to be persecuted; and as you well know, that is exactly what happened. That is why I had to send Timothy. I could not bear it any longer, so I sent him to find out about your faith. Surely it could not be that the Devil had tempted you and all our work had been for nothing!

The Message                         .

NIRV                                      .

New Life Version                    .

New Simplified Bible              .

Thought-for-thought translations; dynamic translations; paraphrases:

Contemporary English V.       We didn't want any of you to be discouraged by all these troubles. You knew we would have to suffer, because when we were with you, we told you this would happen. And we did suffer, as you well know. At last, when I could not wait any longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I hoped that Satan had not tempted you and made all our work useless. V. 3 is included for context.

The Living Bible                     .

New Berkeley Version           .

New Century Version             .

New Living Translation           .

The Passion Translation        In fact, when we were with you we forewarned you: “Suffering and persecution is coming.” And so it has happened, as you well know.  For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I sent our brother to find out if your faith was still strong, for I was concerned that the tempter had somehow enticed you and our labor would have been in vain.

UnfoldingWord Simplified T.  Remember that when we were present with you, we kept telling you that others would mistreat us. And that is what happened, as you know. This is why I sent Timothy to you, because I could wait no longer to know whether you were still trusting in the Messiah. I was afraid that Satan, the one who tempts us, had caused you to stop trusting in the Messiah. I was afraid that everything we had done with you was useless.

Williams’ New Testament      . Pressed difficulties

Partially literal and partially paraphrased translations:

American English Bible          .

Beck’s American Translation .

Breakthrough Version            And I sent Timothy (our brother and a co-worker of God in the good news of the Anointed King) for the "to establish you and to encourage you on behalf of your trust" part, the "for no one to be swayed in these hard times" thing. You see, you yourselves realize that we are lying here for this; for even when we were with you, we were telling you beforehand that we are going to be going through hard times, just as it also happened, and you have seen it. And because of this, no longer being able to stand it, I sent Timothy to you for the "to know your trust" part, in case somehow the one who tries to cause trouble was trying to cause trouble with you and our labor should become for a meaningless thing. Vv. 2–3 are included for context.

Common English Bible           .

Len Gane Paraphrase           For truly, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we would suffer afflictions, even as it happened and as you know. For this reason when I couldn't put it off any longer I sent so that I might know about your faith, lest somehow the tempter having tempted you and our labor turn out to be futile.

A. Campbell's Living Oracles For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we were to be afflicted; which also happened as you know. For this reason also, no longer concealing my anxiety, I sent to know your faith; lest by some means the tempter may have tempted you, and our labor have become in vain.

New Advent (Knox) Bible       .

NT for Everyone                     .

20^th Century New Testament For, even while we were with you, we warned you beforehand that we were certain to encounter trouble. And so it proved, as you know. Therefore, since I could no longer endure the uncertainty, I sent to make inquiries about your faith, fearing that the Tempter had tempted you, and that our toil might prove to have been in vain.

Mostly literal renderings (with some occasional paraphrasing):

An Understandable Version   .

Berean Study Bible                .

Christian Standard Bible        .

Conservapedia Translation    .

Evangelical Heritage V.          .

Revised Ferrar-Fenton Bible  .

Free Bible Version                 Even while we were with you we kept on warning you that we would suffer persecution soon— and as you well know that is exactly what has happened.

This is why, when I couldn’t stand it anymore, I sent to find out whether you were still trusting in God. I was concerned that the Devil* had successfully tempted you and that all our work had been for nothing!*

God’s Truth (Tyndale)           .

Holman Christian Standard    .

International Standard V        In fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to suffer persecution. And as you know, that is what happened. But when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy [The Gk lacks Timothy] to find out about your faith. I was afraid that the tempter had tempted you in some way, and that our work had been a waste of time.

Lexham Bible                         .

Montgomery NT                     .

NIV, ©2011                             .

Riverside New Testament      .

Leicester A. Sawyer’s NT      .

The Spoken English NT         .

UnfoldingWord Literal Text    .

Urim-Thummim Version         For of a truth when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer distress; even as it came to pass and you know. For this cause, when I could no longer keep silent, I sent to know your Faith, unless by some means the Tempter has tempted you and our labor was in vain.

Weymouth New Testament    For even when we were with you, we forewarned you, saying, "We are soon to suffer affliction;" and this actually happened, as you well know. For this reason I also, when I could no longer endure the uncertainty, sent to know the condition of your faith, lest perchance the Tempter might have tempted you and our labour have been lost.

Wikipedia Bible Project          .

Worsley’s New Testament    For when we were with you, we told you before that we should be afflicted, as it came to pass, and ye know. For this cause being able to wait no longer, I sent to know the state of your faith, least the tempter should have tempted you, and our labor have been in vain.

Catholic Bibles (those having the imprimatur):

Christian Community (1988)  .

The Heritage Bible                 .

New American Bible (2002)   .

New American Bible (2011)   .

New English Bible–1970        .

New Jerusalem Bible             .

New RSV                               .

Revised English Bible–1989   .

Jewish/Hebrew Names Bibles:

Complete Jewish Bible           .

Hebraic Roots Bible               For even when we were with you, we said to you before that we are about to suffer tribulations, as it also happened, even as you know.

Because of this, no longer enduring, I also sent to know your faith, that the tempting one not somehow tempt you, and our labor should come to be in vain.

Holy New Covenant Trans.    When we were with you, we told you ahead of time: "We are about to be persecuted." And, as you know, it happened. That is why I couldn’t wait any longer; I sent Timothy to find out if your faith was strong. The Tempter could have tempted you and our hard work would have been wasted.

The Scriptures 2009              For indeed, we did inform you beforehand, when we were with you, that we would suffer pressure, and so it came to be, as you know.  Because of this, when I could no longer stand it, I sent to find out about your belief, lest the trying one might have tried you, and our labour should be in vain.

Tree of Life Version                For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer persecution—just as has happened, as you know. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faithfulness, for fear that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be in vain.

Weird English, Olde English, Anachronistic English Translations:

Accurate New Testament       ...and for when to you* [We] were [We] said (before) [to] you* for [We] intend to be afflicted as and [She] becomes and [You*] have seen {it} because of this (And) I no more Enduring send {someone} to the+ {us} to know the faith [of] you* not somehow tested you* The [One] Testing and to [thing] empty may become The Labor [of] us...

Alpha & Omega Bible            .

Awful Scroll Bible                   For, even as-when we were with yous, we were confirming-beforehand to yous, certainly-of-what we are about to be oppressed, even accordingly-as-to it occurred, even have yous perceived it.

Because of this, I-indeed being able no-longer to withstand it, direct to come to know of you all's confidence, lest-perhaps at all, he tempting was to tempt yous, and our toils may come to be in vain.

Concordant Literal Version    For even when we were with you, we predicted to you that "we are about to be afflicted, according as it came to be also, and you are aware."

Therefore, when I also could by no means longer refrain, I send to know of your faith, lest somehow the trier tries you and our toil may be coming to be for naught."

exeGeses companion Bible   For verily, when we were with you,

we forespoke that we were about to be tribulated

- even exactly as it became - as you know.

For this cause

even when I could no longer endure,

I sent to know of your trust;

lest somehow the tester tests you

and our labor become void.

Orthodox Jewish Bible           For, hinei, when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were going to suffer redifah, just as also it came to pass, of which you have da'as.

For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent in order to know your emunah, lest somehow [Hasatan Samma'el] the Tempter [HaMenasseh] had ensnared you by nissayon and our labor should be for nothing.

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

Expanded/Embellished Bibles:

The Amplified Bible                .

An Understandable Version   For even when we were with you, we warned you that we were going to be persecuted, and as you know, it has turned out that way. [So], for this reason, when I could not stand it any longer, I also sent [Timothy] to find out about your faith. I was afraid that somehow the tempter [i.e., Satan] had tempted you [to give up] and that our work [on your behalf] will have become useless.

The Expanded Bible              .

Jonathan Mitchell NT             You see, even when we were with you we were predicting (laying it out and telling beforehand) to you that, "we are about to be continuously pressed (or: squeezed; oppressed), " just as it was even birthed (or: also came to be), and you have seen and know.

On account of this I also, no longer keeping a lid on [my desires] (= when I could bear it no longer), sent to find out about your faith, trust and loyalty, lest (or: in case) somehow the One continuously putting [folks] to the proof (or: the trier; [note: this could refer to God, or to one of His instruments, as with Job]) put you to the proof (tried or tested you), and our exhausting labor (or: = the trouble to which we went; toil; hardship; or: beating) may be birthed into a void (or: come to be [entered] into an empty place; or: exist in vain; = be to no purpose).

P. Kretzmann Commentary    .

Syndein/Thieme                     .

Translation for Translators     .

The Voice                               .

Bible Translations with Many Footnotes:

Lexham Bible                         ...for indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were about to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and you know. Because of this, I also, when I [*Here “when ” is supplied as a component of the participle (“could endure”) which is understood as temporal] could endure it no longer, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter tempted you and our labor should be in vain.

NET Bible®                             .

New American Bible (2011)   .

The Passion Translation        .

Rotherham’s Emphasized B. .

The Spoken English NT         Because even when we were with you, we were telling you ahead of time that we’re going to be persecuted. Which, as you know, is exactly what happened. And that’s why, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, I sent Timothy to find out about^d your faith. I was worried that^e the tempter had tempted you, and our hard work would turn out to be for nothing.

^d.Lit. “to know”.

^e.Lit. “Whether perhaps”.

Wilbur Pickering’s New T.     For indeed, when we were with you we kept telling you in advance that we were going to be afflicted;² just as it happened, in fact, as you know. Yes, that’s why, no longer standing it, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had successfully tempted you and our labor come to be for nothing.

(2) It was all a calculated risk. The messengers had their eyes open and wanted to make sure their hearers went into their new life with their eyes open—there were no misleading promises of peace and prosperity!

Literal, almost word-for-word, renderings:

A Faithful Version                  And also, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we would suffer persecutions, exactly as it also came to pass; and you are aware of this.) 

For this reason, when I could not wait any longer, I sent Timothy, in order to know your faith, lest perhaps the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

Analytical-Literal Translation  For even when we were with you_p, we kept telling you_p in advance [or, forewarning you_p] that we are about to be experiencing hardships [or, to be afflicted], just as also it happened, and you_p know [it]. For this reason also, when I could no longer endure [it], I sent to know [or, learn about] your_p faith, lest somehow the one tempting [or, the tempter] had tempted you_p and our labor came to be in emptiness [fig., for nothing].

Berean Literal Bible                .

Bond Slave Version               .

C. Thomson updated NT        .

Charles Thomson NT             For when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we should soon be afflicted, as it hath actually come to pass, and you know; therefore not being able to bear any longer, I sent to know your faith, for fear the tempter might have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

Context Group Version          For truly, when we were with you (pl), we told you (pl) beforehand that we are about to suffer affliction; even as it happened, and you (pl) know. For this cause I also, when I could no longer endure, sent that I might know your (pl) trust, lest by any means the loyalty-tester had loyalty-tested you (pl), and our labor should be in emptiness.

English Standard Version      .

Far Above All Translation       For indeed, when we were with you, we would tell you in advance that we would be afflicted, as it duly turned out, which you know.

This is why when I could no longer endure either, I sent inquirers to find out about your faith, as to whether the tempter has tempted you, and our toil had been in vain.

Green’s Literal Translation    .

Literal New Testament           .

Literal Standard Version        For this reason, enduring no longer, we thought good to be left in Athens alone,

and sent Timotheus—our brother, and a servant of God, and our fellow-workman in the good news of the Christ—to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith,

that no one be moved in these tribulations, for you have known that we are set for this,

for even when we were with you, we said to you beforehand, that we are about to suffer tribulation, as it also came to pass, and you have known [it];

because of this also, I, no longer enduring, sent to know your faith, lest he who is tempting tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. Vv. 1–3 are included for context.

Modern English Version         .

Modern Literal Version 2020  For* even when we were with you°, we were saying to you° beforehand that we are about to be afflicted; just-as it also happened and you° know.

Because of this, no longer forbearing it, I also sent Timothy, *that* I might know your° faith, lest the tempter had tempted you°, and our labor might become vain.

Modern KJV                           .

New American Standard        .

New European Version          .

New King James Version       .

NT (Variant Readings)           .

Niobi Study Bible                   .

Revised Young's Lit. Trans.   .

Updated Bible Version 2.17   .

A Voice in the Wilderness      .

Webster’s Translation           .

World English Bible                .

Worrell New Testament         .

Young’s Updated LT             .

The gist of this passage: 

4-5

Translation: For even when we were there with you (all),...

Team Paul had originally come to Thessalonica and evangelized them. At the same time, Paul ran into some serious trouble with some of the Jewish unbelievers there.

During this time, Paul warned these new believers that they would face a great deal of persecution. Much of the book of Acts is Paul going into a city, evangelizing, and then having some groups of people in the city turn against him, and make every attempt to arrest him for speaking about Jesus.

Was Paul expecting things to get really bad and for this to be followed by the 2^nd advent of Jesus? I believe that it is very possible that Paul and/or other Apostles and church leaders believed that, even though we do not find this exact sentiment expressed in the New Testament (I would chalk that up to the editing of God the Holy Spirit).

Would it be possible for actual Pauline epistles to be discovered (or copies of them) this long after the fact? That is certain possible and, to be clear, these would not be lost portions of the Scriptures. God the Holy Spirit was able to preserve what needed to be preserved and He was able to discard that which may have actually been false (bear in mind, I am only speculating here). But finding a Pauline epistle which had been lost would not be much different that discovering writings by second generation believers. It would be interesting, it may include some bad information, but it would not be made a part of the Word of God.

Translation: ...we were telling you (all) beforehand that we were about to be afflicted.

Paul’s teaching would not have sounded like Martin Luther or Saint Jerome or Billy Graham or R. B. Thieme, Jr. Every believer has his own style.

One of the things which we learn in this verse is the content of what Paul taught. I believe that we may reasonably assume that Paul taught the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that he relied heavily upon Old Testament references when teaching that. He taught the Thessalonian believers that they may face some serious persecutions and pressures in the near future. That is coming to pass.

Although I do not believe that Paul had a full and complete grasp of dispensations yet, he probably did some teaching about them. It had to be clear to every believer 30 miles outside of Jerusalem that God had a whole new program happening after the cross (within the city limits of Jerusalem, the Jewish believers could not let go of their Jewish traditions, including the legitimate ones).

Translation: And just as [we had described], it came to be...

I believe the word just as refers to what Paul had prophesied about future persecutions in Thessalonica (remember, Paul did have a prophetic gift).

The idea here is, “Do not panic. I told you that this was going to happen; it is happening; don’t worry.”

R. B. Thieme, Jr. warned for decades of the decline which was apparent within the United States. This decline is far more apparent today than it was during his era. That we are teetering as a nation is something that almost any believer with doctrine is able to see. There are so many places where our nation has gone astray.

I don’t have the gift of prophecy (nor did R. B. Thieme, Jr.), but it is clear that, our nation could face some horrendous judgments over the next 10, 20 or 30 years. What is taking place within our government today borders on insanity. By reading historical trends, we know that things could go horribly bad in the United States.

For the believer with doctrine, bear in mind, Jesus Christ controls history; but sometimes, he must destroy large populations in order to preserve a nation (or, in warning a nation that they may be facing the 5^th cycle of discipline).

Translation: ...(and you (all) observed it).

Paul tells the Thessalonians, “You are seeing this that I warned you about take place right before your very eyes. Do not panic. You knew that this was coming.”

1Thessalonians 3:4 For even when we were there with you (all), we were telling you (all) beforehand that we were about to be afflicted. And just as [we had described], it came to be (and you (all) observed it). (Kukis nearly literal translation)

Translation: Throughout this [oppression], even I was no longer enduring (with silence).

I believe that I got the correct understanding of this phrase, but it was quite difficult to translate.

Paul is commiserating with the Thessalonians, telling them that he has faced tremendous pressures that he is unable to endure quietly.

Translation: [Around this same time] I sent [Timothy] to [you all] to ascertain [the level] of your faith...

What appears to be the case is, Paul did, from Corinth, send Timothy to Thessalonica, to function as their pastor for awhile, to take their temperature, so to speak, and then return to Corinth with a status report. It appears that Timothy has been there and come back; and Paul may be writing this letter based upon Timothy’s report.