John Gill Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3:4

"For verily, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, and ye know." — 1 Thessalonians 3:4 (ASV)

For, verily, when we were with you

In presence, in person, as they then were in heart and affection; when they were first among them, and preached the Gospel to them.

we told you before

before it came to pass.

that we should suffer tribulation

which they might say by virtue of Christ's prediction to all his disciples, that they should have tribulation in the world; and upon its being the common case of God's people, and the usual way through which they enter the kingdom.

And the Apostle Paul might foretell this, upon the discovery that was made to him how many things he should suffer for the sake of Christ, and which therefore he always, and in every place expected; and he might have a particular revelation of the disturbance and opposition he was to meet with at Thessalonica.

even as it came to pass, and you know

Referring to the tumult and uproar in (Acts 17:5–10), and which should be considered so far from being a discouragement, that it was a great confirmation of the truth of their mission and ministry; nor could it be so surprising to them as it might have been had they had no previous taste of it.