1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 Thessalonians 3:1

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

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

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

    

c. YLT: Wherefore no longer forbearing, we thought good to be left in Athens alone,

d. Amplified Bible Classic: Therefore, when [the suspense of separation and our yearning for some personal communication from you] became intolerable, we consented to being left behind alone at Athens.

e. Worrell Translation: Wherefore, when no longer able to endure it, we were well pleased to be left at Athens alone.

f. Wuest Translation: Wherefore, being no longer able to bear it, we thought it good to be left in Athens, alone.

1. “Wherefore when we could no longer forbear…”

a. Wherefore [Strong: 1352 dio dee-o' from 1223 and 3739; through which thing, i.e. consequently:--for which cause, therefore, wherefore.]

b. when we could…forebear [Strong: 4722 stego steg'-o from 4721; to roof over, i.e. (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently):--(for-)bear, suffer.]

c. no longer [Strong: 3371 meketi may-ket'-ee from 3361 and 2089; no further:--any longer, (not) henceforth, hereafter, no henceforward (longer, more, soon), not any more.]

1). In 1 Thessalonians 3:1-7 Paul is giving details about his first visit to Thessalonica that are not mentioned in Acts 17. In Acts 17 Paul and his company came to Thessalonica to preach the gospel and establish a church. However, after three weeks they were run out of town by Jews were opposed the gospel (Acts 17:1-10). They (the whole team) then went to Berea where they and the gospel were received much more readily (Acts 17:10-12). But the Jews of Thessalonica heard they were preaching in Berea and came down and stirred up opposition to it (Acts 17:13). Paul was then ushered out of Berea and taken to Athens, but Silas and Timothy stayed in Berea (Acts 17:14.) When Paul got to Athens he told those who had brought him there to tell Silas and Timothy to come to him in Athens as soon as possible (Acts 17:15). In Acts 17:16 we see Paul waiting for Silas and Timothy in Athens. What we learn in 1 Thessalonians 3 is that Silas and Timothy do arrive in Athens. 1 Thessalonians 2:17, 18 relates how Paul told the Thessalonian church that he wanted desperately to get back to them but the enemy prevented it. It is here we pick up 1 Thessalonians 3. Paul tells them instead of going himself he sent Timothy and Silas to comfort them in their faith while he stayed in Athens (1 Thessalonians 3:1, 2). While Paul is waiting in Athens, Paul experiences the uproar in Athens on Areopagus/Mar’s Hill (Acts 17:16-34). After that he leaves Athens for Corinth where Silas and Timothy eventually rejoin him (Acts 18:1-5).

2). To find out what Paul is talking about we must go back to 1 Thessalonians 2 the previous chapter. We find there that Paul attempted to go back to Thessalonica on two occasions but Satan hinder him to the point it did not happen.

a). 1 Thessalonians 2:17, 18 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

2:18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

3). It is clear that during Paul’s stay in Athens, and we do not know how long that stay was, Paul’s heart was to get back to Thessalonica to minister to the new converts. As we shall see, he waited as long as he could even until after Timothy and Silas came from Berea, but eventually came to the conclusion he must send them back without him.

2. “…we though it good to be left at Athens alone…”

a. we thought it good [Strong: 2106 eudokeo yoo-dok-eh'-o from 2095 and 1380; to think well of, i.e. approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing):--think good, (be well) please(-d), be the good (have, take) pleasure, be willing.]

b. to be left [Strong: 2641 kataleipo kat-al-i'-po from 2596 and 3007; to leave down, i.e. behind; by implication, to abandon, have remaining:--forsake, leave, reserve.]

c. at [Strong: 1722 en en a primary preposition denoting (fixed) position (in place, time or state), and (by implication) instrumentality (medially or constructively), i.e. a relation of rest (intermediate between 1519 and 1537); "in," at, (up-)on, by, etc.:--about, after, against, + almost, X altogether, among, X as, at, before, between, (here-)by (+ all means), for (... sake of), + give self wholly to, (here-)in(-to, -wardly), X mightily, (because) of, (up-)on, (open-)ly, X outwardly, one, X quickly, X shortly, (speedi-)ly, X that, X there(-in, -on), through(-out), (un-)to(-ward), under, when, where(-with), while, with(-in). Often used in compounds, with substantially the same import; rarely with verbs of motion, and then not to indicate direction, except (elliptically) by a separate (and different) preposition.]

d. Athens [Strong: 116 Athenai ath-ay-nahee plural of Athene (the goddess of wisdom, who was reputed to have founded the city); Athenoe, the capitol of Greece:-- Athens.]

e. alone [Strong: 3441 monos mon'-os probably from 3306; remaining, i.e. sole or single; by implication, mere:--alone, only, by themselves.]

1). While Paul is waiting for them in Athens he disputed with the Jews and with Gentile converts to Judaism in the synagogue and daily in the market place with anyone who would meet with him.

a). Acts 17:16, 17 Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.

17:17 Therefore disputed he in the synagogue with the Jews, and with the devout persons, and in the market daily with them that met with him.

2). After Paul arrived in Athens, he told those who had brought him to Athens, that when they got back to Berea they were to tell Silas and Timothy to meet him in Athens as soon as they could. The text uses the phrase, “…for to come to him with all speed…”  The episode of Paul preaching on Mars Hill occurs while he is waiting for Timothy and Silas to meet him in Athens.