1 Thessalonians 3:1
Wherefore awhen we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;
Διὸ μηκέτι στέγοντες, εὐδοκήσαμεν καταλειφθῆναι ἐν Ἀθήναις μόνοι,
Textual key: no entry
a:
1 Thessalonians 3:5 For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
Acts 17:15 And they that conducted Paul brought him unto Athens: and receiving a commandment unto Silas and Timotheus for to come to him with all speed, they departed.
Acts 17:16 ¶Now while Paul waited for them at Athens, his spirit was stirred in him, when he saw the city wholly given to idolatry.
The apostle proceeds upon the same argument to confirm his love to them, and care of them, that they might not doubt of it because of his long absence from them. Therefore he tells them, that though he could not come himself, yet he sent Timothy to them from Athens; which we find not mentioned in the Acts by Luke: and his love herein is commended the more:
1. Because he sent him out of a strong impulse of affection, he could not forbear any longer, or bear, it was a heavy burden to him till he had done it, as the word imports.
2. He was content to be left at Athens alone by parting with Timothy, though his company was so desirable and useful to him at that time. And he was well pleased so to do for their sakes; ευδοκησαμεν, he had a complacence of mind in so doing, so much he preferred their good before his own contentment.
(To see numbers 3 and 4: See Poole on "1Th 3:2".)