John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 3. That no man should be moved by these afflictions , etc.] Which the apostle endured for the sake of preaching the Gospel among them, and which he feared might be a means of troubling their minds, of shaking their faith, and moving them from the hope of the Gospel; for though none of these things moved him, who was an old soldier of Christ, and used to hardness, and an apostle of Christ; yet these were young converts, and not used to such things, and therefore might be staggered at them, and be offended, as stony ground hearers are; and though the apostle hoped better things of them, yet was he concerned for them, that no one among them might be unhinged by them, or succumb under them: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto ; by the immutable decree of God: afflictions, as to their nature, measure, and duration, are appointed for the people of God, and they are appointed for them; this is the case of all who will live godly in Christ Jesus, and especially of Gospel ministers; of which these saints had been apprized by the apostle, and therefore was nothing new, unheard of, and unexpected, or to be looked upon as a strange thing; and seeing this was the appointment of heaven, and the will of God, they should be patiently endured, and quietly submitted to.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 1-5 - The more we find pleasure in the ways of God, the more we shall desir to persevere therein. The apostle's design was to establish and comfor the Thessalonians as to the object of their faith, that Jesus Chris was the Saviour of the world; and as to the recompence of faith, whic was more than enough to make up all their losses, and to reward all their labours. But he feared his labours would be in vain. If the devi cannot hinder ministers from labouring in the word and doctrine, he will, if possible, hinder the success of their labours. No one woul willingly labour in vain. It is the will and purpose of God, that we enter into his kingdom through many afflictions. And the apostles, fa from flattering people with the expectation of worldly prosperity i religion, told them plainly they must count upon trouble in the flesh Herein they followed the example of their great Master, the Author of our faith. Christians were in danger, and they should be forewarned they will thus be kept from being improved by any devices of the tempter.
Greek Textus Receptus
τω 3588 T-DSM μηδενα 3367 A-ASM σαινεσθαι 4525 5745 V-PPN εν 1722 PREP ταις 3588 T-DPF θλιψεσιν 2347 N-DPF ταυταις 3778 D-DPF αυτοι 846 P-NPM γαρ 1063 CONJ οιδατε 1492 5758 V-RAI-2P οτι 3754 CONJ εις 1519 PREP τουτο 5124 D-ASN κειμεθα 2749 5736 V-PNI-1P
Vincent's NT Word Studies
3. Moved (sainesqai). N.T.o o LXX. In Class., as early as Homer, of dogs; to wag the tail, fawn (Hom. Od. x. 217; xvi. 6). Hence of persons, to fawn or cringe. The word is apparently used here in the original sense, to be shaken. 25 We are appointed (keimeqa). As Luke ii. 34 (see note); Philip. i. 17. Comp. Acts xiv. 22, in which occur four of the words used here. For the thought, see Matt. v. 10; x. 17; xvi. 24; 1 Pet. ii. 21 ff.; iv. 12; 2 Timothy iii. 12.
Robertson's NT Word Studies
3:3 {That no man be moved} (to medena sainesqai). Epexegetical articular infinitive in accusative case of general reference. sainw is old word to wag the tail, to flatter, beguile and this sense suits here (only N.T. example). The sense of "moved" or troubled or disheartened is from siainesqai the reading of F G and found in the papyri. {We are appointed} (keimeqa). Present middle, used here as passive of tiqemi. We Christians are set {hereunto} (eis touto) to be beguiled by tribulations. We must resist.
