1 THESSALONIANS 3:1 — KING JAMES VERSION 0
“Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;”
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we decided to be left behind at Athens alone — Paul's restraint breaks; the constraint (stegō, to contain) exceeds his capacity. The willingness to remain alone in Athens (despite its pagan grandeur) reveals the primacy of the Thessalonian church's welfare. Apostolic love transcends prudent self-care.
Church Fathers on 1 Thessalonians 3:1
“Wherefore, when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone.” Instead of saying, “we chose.” “And sent Timothy, our brother and God's minister and our fellow-worker in the Gospel of Christ.” And this he says, not as extolling Timothy, but honoring them, that he sent them the fellow-worker, and minister of the Gospel. As if he had said, Having withdrawn him from his labors we have sent to you the minister of God, and our fellow-laborer in…
Nicene & Post-Nicene / Ante-Nicene Fathers translations · public domain
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