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.
Parallel translations
- WEB For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.
- BSB Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.
- NKJV For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
- NASB For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it happened, as you know.
- NLT Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.
Scripture taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
Scripture quotations taken from the (NASB®) New American Standard Bible®, Copyright © 1960, 1971, 1977, 1995, 2020 by The Lockman Foundation. Used by permission. All rights reserved. lockman.org
Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
Quick answer
Paul had warned them in advance that affliction would come, and it did. The trials they faced confirmed rather than contradicted his teaching.
Overview
Paul recalls telling them beforehand to expect suffering, which then happened just as predicted. This forewarning was meant to fortify them so trials would not catch them off guard. The fulfillment of his words also confirmed the trustworthiness of his ministry and message.
Cross-references & the web
Cross-references · 9
- 1 Th 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:
- 2 Cor 8:1–2Moreover, brethren, we do you to wit of the grace of God bestowed on the churches of Macedonia;
- 1 Th 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.
- Acts 17:13But when the Jews of Thessalonica had knowledge that the word of God was preached of Paul at Berea, they came thither also, and stirred up the people.
- 2 Th 1:4–6So that we ourselves glory in you in the churches of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and tribulations that ye endure:
- John 16:1–3These things have I spoken unto you, that ye should not be offended.
- Acts 17:1Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where was a synagogue of the Jews:
- Acts 17:5–9But the Jews which believed not, moved with envy, took unto them certain lewd fellows of the baser sort, and gathered a company, and set all the city on an uproar, and assaulted the house of Jason, and sought to bring them out to the people.
- Acts 20:24But none of these things move me, neither count I my life dear unto myself, so that I might finish my course with joy, and the ministry, which I have received of the Lord Jesus, to testify the gospel of the grace of God.
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Christ at the center
The believer waits for God's Son from heaven, Jesus who delivers from the wrath to come and who will return to gather his people to himself.
How 1 Thessalonians 3:4 points to him is part of the one story that runs through all Scripture — meet Jesus at the heart of the web, or follow a trail that traces him from Genesis to Revelation.
Original language
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