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1 Thessalonians 3:1

New Testament Epistle (Pauline) ASV (1901)

What does 1 Thessalonians 3:1 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone;” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone;
1 Thessalonians 3:1 — American Standard Version

Context — 1 Thessalonians 3

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
1Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone;
2and sent Timothy, our brother and God`s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort [you] concerning your faith;
3that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.
4For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
← 1 Thessalonians 2:201 Thessalonians 3:2 →
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What do historical commentaries say?

Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“PROOF OF HIS DESIRE AFTER THEM IN HIS HAVING SENT TIMOTHY: HIS JOY AT THE TIDINGS BROUGHT BACK CONCERNING THEIR FAITH AND CHARITY: PRAYERS FOR THEM. (Th1 3:1-13) Wherefore--because of our earnest love to you (Th1 2:17-20). forbear--"endure" the suspense. The Greek is literally applied to a watertight vessel. When we could no longer contain ourselves in our yearning desire for you. left at Athens alone--See my Introduction. This implies that he sent Timothy from Athens, whither the latter had followed him. However, the "we" favors ALFORD'S view that the determination to send Timothy was formed during the hasty consultation of Paul, Silas, and Timothy, previous to his departure from Berea, and…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Wherefore - See 1 Thessalonians 2:18. This particle (διὸ dio) is designed here to refer to another proof of his affection for them. One evidence had been referred to in his strong desire to visit them, which he had been unable to accomplish 1 Thessalonians 2:18, and he here refers to another - to wit, the fact that he had sent Timothy to them. We could no longer forbear - That is, when I could not 1 Thessalonians 3:5, for there is every evidence that Paul refers to himself only though he uses the plural form of the word. There was no one with him at Athens after he had sent Timothy away Acts 17:15; Acts 18:5, and this shows that when, in 1 Thessalonians 2:6, he uses the term apostles in the…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“We - Paul and Silvanus. Could bear no longer - Our desire and fear for you. 1 Thessalonians 3:3”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“3:1-5 After preaching in Berea, Paul had departed from Macedonia and sailed to Athens, instructing Silas and Timothy to join him soon (Acts 17:13-15). Timothy returned to Thessalonica (1 Thes 3:2), as Paul’s anxiety for the Thessalonian church had intensified (3:1, 5).”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“when: Th1 3:5, Th1 2:17; Jer 20:9, Jer 44:22; Co2 2:13, Co2 11:29, Co2 11:30 we thought: Act 17:15 1 Thessalonians 3:2”
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Related study paths

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Sources and verification