I Thessalonians 3:4
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Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.
Commentaries
Excerpts gathered from published commentaries to ground the reading.
that we should suffer--Greek, "that we are about (we are sure) to suffer" according to the appointment of God (Th1 3:3). even as--"even (exactly) as it both came to pass and ye know"; ye know both that it came to pass, and that we foretold it (compare Joh 13:19). The correspondence of the event to the prediction powerfully confirms faith: "Forewarned, forearmed" [EDMUNDS]. The repetition of "ye know," so frequently, is designed as an argument, that being forewarned of coming affliction, they should be less readily "moved" by it.
Open source ↗In this chapter the apostle gives further evidence of his love to the Thessalonians, reminding them of his sending Timothy to them, with the mention of his design therein and his inducements so to do (Th1 3:1-5). He acquaints them also with his great satisfaction at the return of Timothy, with good tidings concerning them (Th1 3:6-10). And concludes with fervent prayer for them (Th1 3:11 to the end).
Open source ↗Cross-references
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For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews,
As you are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God.
But when the Jews from Thessalonica learned that Paul was also proclaiming the word of God in Berea, they went there themselves to incite and agitate the crowds.
When they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a Jewish synagogue.
But I consider my life of no value to me, if only I may finish my course and complete the ministry I have received from the Lord Jesus—the ministry of testifying to the good news of God’s grace.