A.T. Robertson Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3:1

"Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone;" — 1 Thessalonians 3:1 (ASV)

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 ).