Matthew Henry Commentary 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5

"Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone; and sent Timothy, our brother and God`s minister in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort [you] concerning your faith; that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed. 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. For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain." — 1 Thessalonians 3:1-5 (ASV)

The more we find pleasure in the ways of God, the more we will desire to persevere in them. The apostle's design was to establish and comfort the Thessalonians concerning the object of their faith, that Jesus Christ was the Savior of the world; and concerning the recompense of faith, which was more than enough to make up for all their losses and to reward all their labors. But he feared his labors would be in vain.

If the devil cannot hinder ministers from laboring in the word and doctrine, he will, if possible, hinder the success of their labors. No one would willingly labor in vain. It is the will and purpose of God that we enter His kingdom through many afflictions.

And the apostles, far from flattering people with the expectation of worldly prosperity in religion, told them plainly they must count on trouble in the flesh. In this, they followed the example of their great Master, the Author of our faith. Christians were in danger, and they should be forewarned; they will thus be kept from being taken advantage of by any devices of the tempter.