King James Version
What Does 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Mean?
“For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.”
Context
3
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto . there unto: or, to sufferings, or, to persecution
4
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
5
For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
6
But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:
7
Therefore , brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
Topics in This Verse
Commentary
Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers(5) **For this cause.**—“Because I knew that temptation was sure to overtake you, I sent to see whether our work still lived, and was likely to live, in spite of it.”
**To know your faith.**—“To ascertain whether you still believed:” only the form courteously implies that the faith was certainly *there, *and St. Paul only sent to “make assurance doubly sure.”
**The tempter.**—See Matthew 4:3. The word and the tense in the Greek imply, not only that it is his character to tempt, but that it is his constant *occupation.*
**Have tempted you . . . .**—The original implies no doubt on the writer’s part that the Thessalonians h*ad* been tempted; the only doubt was, how they had borne it. The striking out of the comma after “tempted you,” and reading the clauses quickly together, will give a fair notion of the purport. It might be paraphrased, “Lest, in consequence of the temptations which the tempter brought against you, our toil should prove in vain.” The “temptations” were those of persecution, and the time at which they befell, the same as in 1Thessalonians 3:4, “it came to pass.”
Charles John Ellicott (1819–1905). Public Domain.
Historical Context
This verse is found in the book of 1 Thessalonians. Understanding the historical and cultural background helps illuminate its meaning for the original audience and for us today.
Theological Significance
1 Thessalonians 3:5 contributes to our understanding of God's character and His relationship with humanity. Consider how this verse connects to the broader themes of Scripture.
Cross-References
Verses related to 1 Thessalonians 3:5
Cross-references from Treasury of Scripture Knowledge