John Calvin Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3

Therefore, when we could no longer endure (1 Thessalonians 3:1). By the detail that follows, Paul assures them of the desire he had spoken of.

For if he had been detained elsewhere and had sent no one else to Thessalonica in his place, it might have seemed as if he were not very concerned about them. But by substituting Timothy in his place, he removes that suspicion, especially as he prefers them to himself.

That he esteemed them more than himself, he shows by this: he chose to be left alone rather than have them be deserted. For these words, we judged it good to be left alone (1 Thessalonians 3:1), are emphatic.

Timothy was a very faithful companion to Paul: Paul had no one else with him at that time, and so it was inconvenient and distressing for him to be without Timothy. It is therefore a sign of rare affection and anxious desire that Paul was willing to deprive himself of all comfort in order to relieve the Thessalonians.

The word εὐδοκήσαμεν has the same significance, expressing a prompt inclination of the mind.

Our brother. He assigns to him these marks of commendation to show more clearly how much inclined he was to promote their welfare. For if he had sent them some ordinary person, it could not have been of much assistance to them; and since Paul could have done this without inconvenience to himself, he would have given no remarkable proof of his fatherly concern for them.

It is, on the other hand, a great thing that he deprives himself of a brother and fellow-laborer—one to whom, as he declares in Philippians 2:20, he found no equal, since all others aimed at promoting their own interests.

Meanwhile, he establishes authority for the doctrine they had received from Timothy, so that it might remain more deeply impressed upon their memory.

It is, however, with good reason that he says he had sent Timothy with this purpose: that they might receive a confirmation of their faith from his example. They might be intimidated by unpleasant reports regarding persecutions, but Paul’s undaunted constancy was all the more suited to encourage them, to keep them from giving way.

And certainly, the fellowship that should exist between the saints and members of Christ extends even to this point: that the faith of one is the consolation of others. Thus, when the Thessalonians heard that Paul was continuing with tireless zeal, and through strength of faith was overcoming all dangers and difficulties, and that his faith continued everywhere victorious against Satan and the world, this brought them considerable consolation.

Especially, we are, or at least should be, motivated by the examples of those who instructed us in the faith, as is stated at the end of the Epistle to the Hebrews (Hebrews 13:7). Paul, therefore, means that they should be strengthened by his example, so that they would not give way under their afflictions.

However, since they might have been offended if Paul had feared that they should all give way under persecutions (as this would have been evidence of excessive distrust), he mitigates this harshness by saying, lest any one, or, that no one. There was, however, good reason for this fear, since there are always some weak persons in every society.

For ye yourselves know. Since all would gladly exempt themselves from the necessity of bearing the cross, Paul teaches that there is no reason why believers should feel dismayed because of persecutions, as if it were new and unusual, since this is our condition, which the Lord has assigned to us.

For this expression—we are appointed to it—is as if he had said that we are Christians on this condition. He says, however, that they know it, because it was fitting for them to fight more bravely, since they had been warned in advance.

In addition to this, incessant afflictions made Paul contemptible among rude and ignorant persons. For this reason, he states that nothing had happened to him except what he had long before, like a prophet, foretold.

Lest perhaps the tempter has tempted you. By this statement, he teaches us that temptations are always to be feared, because it is the specific work of Satan to tempt. However, since he never ceases to set ambushes for us on all sides and to lay snares for us all around, we must be on our watch, taking careful heed.

He now says openly what he had initially avoided saying because it was too harsh — namely, that he had been concerned that his labors might be in vain if, perhaps, Satan should prevail. He does this so that they may be carefully on their guard and may rouse themselves more vigorously to resist.

He shows here, by another argument, the extraordinary affection that motivated him toward them, since he was almost beside himself with joy at the news of their flourishing. For we must note the circumstances he describes. He was in affliction and necessity; therefore, it might have seemed there was no room for cheerfulness.

But when he hears what he so eagerly desired concerning the Thessalonians, as if all feeling of his own troubles had been extinguished, he is carried forward to joy and congratulation. At the same time, he gradually expresses the greatness of his joy, for he says, in the first place, we received consolation; afterwards he speaks of an abundant joy.

This congratulation, however, has the force of an exhortation, and Paul’s intention was to stir up the Thessalonians to perseverance. And certainly, this must have been a most powerful encouragement, when they learned that the holy Apostle felt such great consolation and joy from the advancement of their piety.

Faith and love. This form of expression should be all the more carefully observed by us, especially given how frequently Paul uses it, for in these two words he briefly summarizes the entire essence of true piety. Therefore, all who aim for these two things throughout their lives are certain not to go astray; all others, no matter how much they may struggle, go terribly astray. The third thing he adds, concerning their good remembrance of him, refers to the respect they had for the Gospel. For it was for no other reason that they held Paul in such affection and esteem.