1 Thessalonians 3:1
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
Original Language Analysis
στέγοντες
forbear
G4722
στέγοντες
forbear
Strong's:
G4722
Word #:
3 of 8
to roof over, i.e., (figuratively) to cover with silence (endure patiently)
εὐδοκήσαμεν
we thought it good
G2106
εὐδοκήσαμεν
we thought it good
Strong's:
G2106
Word #:
4 of 8
to think well of, i.e., approve (an act); specially, to approbate (a person or thing)
Cross References
Acts 17:15And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.1 Thessalonians 3:5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.1 Thessalonians 2:17But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.Jeremiah 20:9Then I said, I will not make mention of him, nor speak any more in his name. But his word was in mine heart as a burning fire shut up in my bones, and I was weary with forbearing, and I could not stay.
Historical Context
After fleeing Thessalonica to Berea, then Berea to Athens (Acts 17:10-15), Paul was separated from his missionary team. Silas and Timothy initially stayed in Berea, later joining Paul in Athens (Acts 17:15-16). The timing is compressed: Paul sent Timothy from Athens to Thessalonica (3:1-2), then moved to Corinth where Timothy rejoined him with news from Thessalonica (3:6; Acts 18:5). Athens represented intellectual hostility (philosophers scoffed, Acts 17:18, 32); Paul would have valued Timothy's companionship. Yet ministry priorities trumped personal preferences.
Questions for Reflection
- What personal comforts or emotional supports have you sacrificed for others' spiritual welfare?
- How do you reconcile Paul's anxiety about the Thessalonians with trust in God's sovereignty? Is concern for others a sign of weak faith or deep love?
- What does Paul's willingness to be 'left alone' teach about ministry priorities when personal needs conflict with others' spiritual needs?
Analysis & Commentary
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone—dio mēketi stegontes eudokēsamen kataleiphthēnai en Athēnais monoi (διὸ μηκέτι στέγοντες εὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοι, 'therefore no longer able to endure, we thought it good to be left behind in Athens alone'). Stegō (στέγω, 'to endure/bear/forbear') indicates capacity's limit—Paul could no longer bear the anxiety about the Thessalonians' welfare. The phrase kataleiphthēnai... monoi (to be left... alone) reveals his sacrifice: he sent Timothy (his valued coworker and emotional support) to Thessalonica, remaining alone in hostile Athens.
This verse displays authentic pastoral love—Paul prioritized the Thessalonians' spiritual welfare over his own comfort or companionship. Being 'alone' in Athens (where he faced mockery from philosophers, Acts 17:18, 32) was personally costly. Yet concern for distant believers outweighed personal need. True spiritual fathers willingly sacrifice for their children's sake, echoing Christ who 'pleased not himself' (Rom 15:3). Paul's anxiety wasn't weak faith but deep love—he trusted God's sovereignty yet felt human concern for those facing persecution.