John Gill's Bible Commentary Ver. 4. For, verily, when we were with you , etc.] In presence, in person, as they then were in heart and affection; when they were first among them, and preached the Gospel to them: we told you before ; before it came to pass; that we should suffer tribulation : which they might say by virtue of Christ's prediction to all his disciples, that they should have tribulation in the world; and upon its being the common case of God's people, and the usual way through which they enter the kingdom; and the Apostle Paul might foretell this, upon the discovery that was made to him how many things he should suffer for the sake of Christ, and which therefore he always, and in every place expected; and he might have a particular revelation of the disturbance and opposition he was to meet with at Thessalonica: even as it came to pass, and ye know ; referring to the tumult and uproar in ( Acts 17:5-10), and which should be considered so far from being a discouragement, that it was a great confirmation of the truth of their mission and ministry; nor could it be so surprising to them as it might have been had they had no previous taste of it.
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
και 2532 CONJ γαρ 1063 CONJ οτε 3753 ADV προς 4314 PREP υμας 5209 P-2AP ημεν 1510 5713 V-IXI-1P προελεγομεν 4302 5707 V-IAI-1P υμιν 5213 P-2DP οτι 3754 CONJ μελλομεν 3195 5719 V-PAI-1P θλιβεσθαι 2346 5745 V-PPN καθως 2531 ADV και 2532 CONJ εγενετο 1096 5633 V-2ADI-3S και 2532 CONJ οιδατε 1492 5758 V-RAI-2P
Robertson's NT Word Studies
3:4 {We told you beforehand} (proelegomen humin). Imperfect active, we used to tell you beforehand. Old verb, rare in N.T. (only in Paul). {That we are to suffer persecution} (hoti mellomen qlibesqai). mellw and present passive infinitive. Not mere prediction, but God's appointed will as it turned out in Thessalonica.
