A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3

When we could no longer forbear (μηκετ στεγοντες). Στεγω is old verb to cover from στεγη, roof , to cover with silence, to conceal, to keep off, to endure as here and 1 Corinthians 9:12; 13:7. In the papyri in this sense (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary). Μηκετ usual negative with participle in the Koine rather than ουκετ.

We thought it good (ηυδοκησαμεν). Either literary plural as in 2:18 or Paul and Silas as more likely. If so, both Timothy and Silas came to Athens (Acts 17:15f.), but Timothy was sent (we sent , επεμψαμεν, verse 2) right back to Thessalonica and later Paul sent Silas on to Beroea or Thessalonica (verse 5,

I sent , επεμψα). Then both Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia to Corinth (Acts 18:5).

Alone (μονο). Including Silas.

God's minister (διακονον του θεου). See on Mt 22:13 for this interesting word, here in general sense not technical sense of deacon. Some MSS. have

fellow-worker (συνεργον). Already

apostle in 2:7 and now

brother, minister (and possibly

fellow-worker ).

That no man be moved (το μηδενα σαινεσθα). Epexegetical articular infinitive in accusative case of general reference. Σαινω is old word to wag the tail, to flatter, beguile and this sense suits here (only N.T. example). The sense of "moved" or troubled or disheartened is from σιαινεσθα the reading of F G and found in the papyri.

We are appointed (κειμεθα). Present middle, used here as passive of τιθημ. We Christians are set

hereunto (εις τουτο) to be beguiled by tribulations. We must resist.

We told you beforehand (προελεγομεν υμιν). Imperfect active, we used to tell you beforehand. Old verb, rare in N.T. (only in Paul).

That we are to suffer persecution (οτ μελλομεν θλιβεσθα). Μελλω and present passive infinitive. Not mere prediction, but God's appointed will as it turned out in Thessalonica.

That I might know (εις το γνωνα). Paul's common idiom (verse 2), εις το and the infinitive of purpose (second aorist ingressive active of γινωσκω, come to know).

Lest by any means the tempter had tempted you (μη πως επειρασεν υμας ο πειραζων). Findlay takes this as a question with negative answer, but most likely negative final clause with μη πως about a past action with aorist indicative according to the classic idiom as in Ga 2:2 (μη πωσ--εδραμον) and Ga 4:11 after verb of fearing (Robertson, Grammar, p. 988). It is a fear that the thing may turn out to be so about the past.

Should be (γενητα). Here the usual construction appears (aorist subjunctive with μη πως) about the future.

Even now (αρτ). Just now, Timothy having come (ελθοντος Τιμοθεου, genitive absolute). Why Silas is not named is not clear, unless he had come from Beroea or elsewhere in Macedonia.

Glad tidings of (ευαγγελισαμενου). First aorist middle participle of the verb for evangelizing (gospelizing).

Good remembrance (μνειαν). Same word used by Paul 1:2.

Longing to see us (επιποθουντες ημας ιδειν). Old and strong verb, επι-, directive, to long after. Mutual longing that pleased Paul ("we also you").