Expositor's Bible Commentary 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)

Paul gives as his reason for sending Timothy: “We could stand [GK 5095] it no longer.” This verb has the metaphorical meaning of “hold out against.” Paul was at this point unable to stand his ignorance of how his precious converts were faring in persecution. His personal trials meant far less to him than those for whom he suffered vicariously in Christ.

Paul’s sincerity is therefore demonstrated by his willingness to do without his cherished co-worker Timothy and to remain alone in a strange city (Athens) dominated by pagan philosophy and animosity toward the Gospel (cf. Acts 17:16– 34)—“we” here probably means Paul himself; cf. “I, Paul” in 2:18 and “I” in 3:5.