1 Thessalonians 3:5

Translations

Modern

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.

Traditional

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.

Literal

Because of this I also, bearing it no longer, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow the one tempting had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain.

Latin

Propterea et ego amplius non sustinens, misi ad cognoscendam fidem vestram: ne forte tentaverit vos is qui tentat, et inanis fiat labor noster.

Original

Greek

English

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and that our labor might have been in vain.

Notes

1 Thessalonians 3:5

Paul had concern that Satan, the tempter, had weakened the Thessalonians’ faith (Mark 1:13; 1 Corinthians 7:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:2, 6, 8). He was checking to make sure his efforts among them were not useless (Galatians 2:2; Philippians 2:16).

1 Thessalonians 3:1–5

After preaching in Berea, Paul left Macedonia and sailed to Athens. He instructed Silas and Timothy to join him soon (Acts 17:13–15). Timothy returned to Thessalonica because Paul had become more concerned about the Thessalonian church (1 Thessalonians 3:2; 3:1, 5).

1 Thessalonians 2:1–3:13

The letter begins by discussing the character of Paul and his associates, as well as how the Thessalonians accepted the good news (2:1–12; 13–16).

It emphasizes Paul’s genuine care for the church, mentioning:

his efforts to visit them again (2:17–20), and
his choice to send Timothy when he could not go himself (3:1–5).

It concludes with the apostle Paul’s happiness about Timothy’s positive report and his prayers to return to the church (3:6–9; 10–13). This detailed defense addresses criticisms of Paul’s sudden departure and long absence.

Theme notes and profiles

Paul (Saul) Satan Timothy

Related verses

James 1:13–14
When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does He tempt anyone.
Matthew 4:3
The tempter came to Him and said, “If You are the Son of God, tell these stones to become bread.”
2 Corinthians 2:11
…in order that Satan should not outwit us. For we are not unaware of his schemes.
Ephesians 4:14
Then we will no longer be infants, tossed about by the waves and carried around by every wind of teaching and by the clever cunning of men in their deceitful scheming.
Isaiah 49:4
But I said, “I have labored in vain, I have spent My strength in futility and vanity; yet My vindication is with the LORD, and My reward is with My God.”
Philippians 2:16
…as you hold forth the word of life, in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor in vain.
Galatians 1:6–9
I am amazed how quickly you are deserting the One who called you by the grace of Christ and are turning to a different gospel—
Galatians 2:2
I went in response to a revelation and set before them the gospel that I preach among the Gentiles. But I spoke privately to those recognized as leaders, for fear that I was running or had already run in vain.
2 Corinthians 11:13–15
For such men are false apostles, deceitful workers, masquerading as apostles of Christ.
2 Corinthians 11:2–3
I am jealous for you with a godly jealousy. For I promised you to one husband, to present you as a pure virgin to Christ.
1 Thessalonians 3:1–2
So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens.
2 Corinthians 7:5–7
For when we arrived in Macedonia, our bodies had no rest, but we were pressed from every direction—conflicts on the outside, fears within.

Glossary

Book of Revelation First Letter to the Thessalonians Futility Timothy (Person)

Topics

Love: Exemplification of the Love of Man for Man Satan: The Prince: The Tempter Satan: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To Temptation: General Scriptures Concerning Temptation: The Devil is the Author of The Devil: Saints: Tempted By Titles and Names of the Devil: Tempter

1 Thessalonians 3:5

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Related verses?

Glossary?

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Translations

Original

Notes

Related verses

Glossary

Topics