1 Thessalonians 3:4
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
Original Language Analysis
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
1 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
γὰρ
For
G1063
γὰρ
For
Strong's:
G1063
Word #:
2 of 16
properly, assigning a reason (used in argument, explanation or intensification; often with other particles)
πρὸς
with
G4314
πρὸς
with
Strong's:
G4314
Word #:
4 of 16
a preposition of direction; forward to, i.e., toward (with the genitive case, the side of, i.e., pertaining to; with the dative case, by the side of,
ὅτι
that
G3754
ὅτι
that
Strong's:
G3754
Word #:
9 of 16
demonstrative, that (sometimes redundant); causative, because
μέλλομεν
we should
G3195
μέλλομεν
we should
Strong's:
G3195
Word #:
10 of 16
to intend, i.e., be about to be, do, or suffer something (of persons or things, especially events; in the sense of purpose, duty, necessity, probabili
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
13 of 16
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
G1096
ἐγένετο
it came to pass
Strong's:
G1096
Word #:
14 of 16
to cause to be ("gen"-erate), i.e., (reflexively) to become (come into being), used with great latitude (literal, figurative, intensive, etc.)
Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:1 Thessalonians 2:2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
Historical Context
Paul's ministry in Thessalonica lasted only three weeks (Acts 17:2) yet included comprehensive teaching on suffering, Christ's return, sanctification, and other doctrines. This compressed timeline required focused discipleship. The persecution he predicted arrived immediately—Jews incited a mob, attacked Jason's house, dragged believers before authorities (Acts 17:5-9). Paul fled by night, but afflictions continued for the Thessalonian church (2:14). His warnings prepared them to interpret suffering correctly: as expected Christian experience, not divine abandonment.
Questions for Reflection
- How does your evangelism and discipleship honestly prepare people for suffering's reality rather than promising only blessing?
- What role does fulfilled prediction (Paul's warnings proving accurate) play in validating spiritual authority?
- How do you interpret your sufferings—as confirmation of following Christ or as evidence of God's displeasure?
Analysis & Commentary
For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know—kai gar hote pros hymas ēmen proelegomen hymin hoti mellomen thlibesthaiProelegomen, 'we were foretelling you that we were about to suffer tribulation'). The imperfect tense indicates repeated warning: Paul didn't mention suffering once but continually prepared them. Kathōs kai egeneto kai oidate (καθὼς καὶ ἐγένετο καὶ οἴδατε, 'even as it came to pass and you know') appeals to fulfilled prediction—Paul's warnings proved accurate, validating his prophetic insight.
Honest evangelism includes suffering's cost. Jesus required would-be disciples to 'count the cost' (Luke 14:28-33); Paul warned converts about tribulation. This produces genuine conversions: those attracted solely by promised blessings flee when persecution comes (Mark 4:17); those prepared for suffering persevere. The phrase 'even as it came to pass' confirms Paul's credibility—he didn't exaggerate or fear-monger but accurately predicted persecution, demonstrating prophetic authority. When suffering arrived, the Thessalonians recognized it as prophesied reality, not divine rejection.