1 Thessalonians 3:7
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:
Original Language Analysis
διὰ
Therefore
G1223
διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
1 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
παρεκλήθημεν
we were comforted
G3870
παρεκλήθημεν
we were comforted
Strong's:
G3870
Word #:
3 of 17
to call near, i.e., invite, invoke (by imploration, hortation or consolation)
ἀδελφοί
brethren
G80
ἀδελφοί
brethren
Strong's:
G80
Word #:
4 of 17
a brother (literally or figuratively) near or remote (much like g0001)
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
5 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
ἐπὶ
in
G1909
ἐπὶ
in
Strong's:
G1909
Word #:
7 of 17
properly, meaning superimposition (of time, place, order, etc.), as a relation of distribution (with the genitive case), i.e., over, upon, etc.; of re
τῇ
G3588
τῇ
Strong's:
G3588
Word #:
9 of 17
the (sometimes to be supplied, at others omitted, in english idiom)
καὶ
and
G2532
καὶ
and
Strong's:
G2532
Word #:
11 of 17
and, also, even, so then, too, etc.; often used in connection (or composition) with other particles or small words
ἀνάγκῃ
distress
G318
ἀνάγκῃ
distress
Strong's:
G318
Word #:
12 of 17
constraint (literally or figuratively); by implication, distress
διὰ
Therefore
G1223
διὰ
Therefore
Strong's:
G1223
Word #:
14 of 17
through (in very wide applications, local, causal, or occasional)
Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:4Who comforteth us in all our tribulation, that we may be able to comfort them which are in any trouble, by the comfort wherewith we ourselves are comforted of God.2 John 1:4I rejoiced greatly that I found of thy children walking in truth, as we have received a commandment from the Father.
Historical Context
Paul faced 'affliction and distress' in Corinth (where he wrote this letter): opposition from Jews (Acts 18:6, 12-17), anxiety about the Thessalonians, financial pressure (working as tentmaker, Acts 18:3), and spiritual warfare. Timothy's good news that the Thessalonians persevered despite persecution brought comfort exceeding his circumstances' difficulty. This pattern continues throughout church history—believers' faithfulness under trial encourages other suffering saints. The universal church's mutual encouragement demonstrates Christ's body functioning as designed (1 Cor 12:26; Heb 10:24-25).
Questions for Reflection
- How does other believers' persevering faith comfort you in your own afflictions and distress?
- What evidence demonstrates spiritual reciprocity in your relationships—mutual strengthening rather than one-way ministry?
- Why does Paul find greater comfort in the Thessalonians' faith than in improved circumstances? What does this teach about ultimate values?
Analysis & Commentary
Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith—dia touto parekl ēthēmen, adelphoi, eph' hymin epi pasē tē anankē kai thlipsei hēmōn dia tēs hymōn pisteōs (διὰ τοῦτο παρεκλήθημεν, ἀδελφοί, ἐφ' ὑμῖν ἐπὶ πάσῃ τῇ ἀνάγκῃ καὶ θλίψει ἡμῶν διὰ τῆς ὑμῶν πίστεως, 'therefore we were comforted, brothers, over you in all our necessity and affliction through your faith'). Ananke (ἀνάγκη, 'necessity/distress/constraint') and thlipsis (θλῖψις, 'tribulation/pressure') describe Paul's ongoing suffering. Yet the Thessalonians' persevering faith brought paraklēsis (παράκλησις, 'comfort/encouragement').
This reveals spiritual reciprocity: Paul strengthened the Thessalonians (v. 2); their faith strengthened him. Suffering believers comfort each other (2 Cor 1:3-7). The phrase dia tēs hymōn pisteōs ('through your faith') indicates means—their faith was the instrument of Paul's comfort. Why? Because persevering faith vindicated his ministry, proved God's electing grace, demonstrated the Spirit's power, and ensured they would share future glory. Fruitful ministry produces joy that transcends present suffering; knowing spiritual children walk in truth brings no greater joy (3 John 4).