1 Thessalonians 3:5

“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, etc.] Or “bear” the above vehement desire of seeing them, or of hearing from them. Here the apostle speaks in the singular number, and seems to intimate, as if what was said before of the like kind is to be understood singly of him; for these words are a repetition and summary of the foregoing, with some diversity: I sent to know your faith; how it stood, whether it was staggering through these afflictions, or firm; whether it was weak or strong, what was wanting in it; and whether it grew and increased. The Arabic version adds, “and charity”; for of this, as well as of faith, Timothy brought an account, as appears from the following verse.…”

“For this cause--Because I know of your "tribulation" having actually begun (Th1 3:4). when I--Greek, "when I also (as well as Timothy, who, Paul delicately implies, was equally anxious respecting them, compare "we," Th1 3:1), could no longer contain myself (endure the suspense)." I sent--Paul was the actual sender; hence the "I" here: Paul, Silas, and Timothy himself had agreed on the mission already, before Paul went to Athens: hence the "we," (see on Th1 3:1). to know--to learn the state of your faith, whether it stood the trial (Col 4:8). lest . . . have tempted . . . and . . . be--The indicative is used in the former sentence, the subjunctive in the latter. Translate therefore, "To know…”

“For this cause - Since I knew that you were so liable to be persecuted, and since I feared that some might be turned from the truth by this opposition. When I could no longer forbear - See the notes at 1 Thessalonians 3:1. I sent to know your faith - That is, your fidelity. or your steadfastness in the gospel. Lest by some means - Either by allurements to apostasy, set before you by your former pagan friends; or by the arts of false teachers; or by the severity of suffering. Satan has many methods of seducing people from the truth, and Paul was fearful that by some of his arts he might be successful there. The tempter - Satan; for though the Jews were the immediate actors in those…”

“3:5 Paul was concerned that Satan, the tempter (Mark 1:13; 1 Cor 7:5), had undermined the Thessalonians’ faith (1 Thes 3:2, 6, 8) and rendered his work among them futile (Gal 2:2; Phil 2:16).”

“when: Th1 3:1 I sent: Th1 3:2, Th1 3:6; Act 15:36; Co2 7:5-7 lest: Mat 4:3; Co1 7:5; Co2 2:11, Co2 11:2, Co2 11:3, Co2 11:13-15; Gal 1:6-9; Eph 4:14; Jam 1:13, Jam 1:14 and our: Th1 2:1; Isa 49:4; Gal 2:2, Gal 4:11; Phi 2:16 1 Thessalonians 3:6”