1 Thessalonians 3:1

Wherefore. That is, because of the apostles’ intense love and burden for their converts, and Paul’s continued frustration in his attempts to return to Thessalonica.

Forbear. Gr. stego, “to cover,” “conceal,” “to endure” (cf. 1 Cor. 9:12; 13:7). The use of the plural subject in this verse seems to indicate that the apostle wished to make it plain that his companions shared his solicitude for these new believers, and that they participated wholeheartedly in his efforts to solve the problems created by separation (see on 1 Thess. 2:17, 18).

Thought it good. That is, we resolved. The tense of the Greek verb (eudoked) shows that a definite decision was made.

At Athens alone. The record states that when Paul had been forced to leave Macedonia, “Silas and Timotheus abode there still” (Acts 17:14). Upon reaching Athens, the apostle sensed the tremendous challenge presented by the cultured heathen metropolis, and felt his own need of faithful helpers. He therefore sent the directive for them “to come to him with all speed” (v. 15). The record in Acts does not state that either Silas or Timothy was able to come to Athens, but the present passage suggests that Timothy did go, and that he was sent back to Macedonia almost immediately, in order to minister to the Thessalonian believers. Paul was to be left alone in Athens. This decision must have been a most difficult one for him to make. The great sacrifice that the apostle was willing to make in depriving himself of Timothy’s companionship and help, indicates the urgency of the needs of the Thessalonians. After his visit there, Timothy, accompanied by Silas, came to Paul at Corinth (ch. 18:5). It is clear, therefore, that the three workers united in the plans which were laid, and that Paul took the initiative, both in making them, and in having them carried out.