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1 Thessalonians 3:5
ESV For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.
NIV For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.
NASB For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be for nothing.
CSB For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.
NLT That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.
KJV 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.

What does 1 Thessalonians 3:5 mean?

Paul had sent Timothy to Thessalonica to support the Christians there (1 Thessalonians 3:1–2), but also to find out whether or not the believers' faith was withstanding persecution. He calls the Devil "the tempter," knowing that he had tempted Eve in the garden of Eden, numerous believers through the ages, and even the Lord Jesus Himself (Matthew 4:1–11). Of course, Jesus successfully withstood the Devil's temptations and is available to help believers stand against the Devil (Hebrews 2:18).

Paul was concerned that the faith of the believers at Thessalonica might waver and weaken under the Devil's temptation, which would stunt their spiritual growth. In that case, Paul's labor on their behalf to produce spiritual fruit in their lives would be curtailed. Hebrews 4:14–16 encourages believers to pray confidently when we are feeling weak. We should realize that Jesus experienced trials like ours and successfully overcame them. As our great High Priest, He is able to provide help when we need it.

The following passage contains Paul's delighted reaction at learning that these Christians had, indeed, been able to "hold fast" to their faith (Hebrews 3:6).
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