Chapter
1 2 3 4 5
Verse
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13

1 Thessalonians 3:4
ESV For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
NIV In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well 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.
CSB In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience affliction, and as you know, it happened.
NLT Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come — and they did, as you well know.
KJV 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.

What does 1 Thessalonians 3:4 mean?

In this verse Paul reminds the Christians at Thessalonica that, while he was with them, he said repeatedly they would experience persecution. Just as he had predicted, persecution had struck, and they were fully aware of the fact. Some of them were convinced that these hardships and sufferings were signs they had entered the Tribulation. They were wrong of course, as Paul will go one to explain in chapters 4 and 5.

Peter describes believers' trials as a good thing, because they prove the genuineness of our faith and bring praise, glory, and honor at Jesus' coming (1 Peter 1:6–7). Writing on the same theme, James states: "Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing" (James 1:2–4). Such a positive attitude would enable the Thessalonians to see God's purpose in trials and keep them unmoved by their afflictions (1 Thessalonians 3:3).
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