1 Thessalonians 3:3

KJV

That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

KJV (with Strong's)

That no man {G3367} should be moved {G4525} by {G1722} these {G5025} afflictions {G2347}: for {G1063} yourselves {G846} know {G1492} that {G3754} we are appointed {G2749} thereunto {G1519}{G5124}.

Complete Jewish Bible

so that none of you would let these persecutions unsettle him. For you yourselves know that these are bound to come to us;

Berean Standard Bible

so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this.

American Standard Version

that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 3:3, the Apostle Paul expresses his fervent pastoral concern that the fledgling Thessalonian believers, recently converted and facing intense persecution, would not be shaken or disheartened by the severe trials they were enduring. He reinforces this warning by reminding them of a foundational truth they already knew: that suffering and affliction are not accidental detours but an appointed, expected part of the Christian journey for both the apostles and all who follow Christ. This verse serves as a powerful call to steadfastness and a theological anchor for understanding the nature of discipleship in a hostile world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is nestled within Paul's explanation of why he sent Timothy back to Thessalonica. Having been forcibly separated from them by persecution (cf. [1 Thessalonians 2:17-18](/1-thessalonians/2-17-18 "Paul's Desire to Return to Thessalonica")), Paul was deeply concerned about their spiritual well-being amidst ongoing affliction. He states his inability to bear it any longer, prompting him to send Timothy to "establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith" (cf. [1 Thessalonians 3:2](/1-thessalonians/3-2 "Timothy's Mission to Thessalonica")). Verse 3 directly follows this explanation, emphasizing the specific purpose of Timothy's mission: to prevent them from being "moved" by their trials, grounding this pastoral concern in the shared reality that believers are "appointed thereunto." The subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 3:6-10](/1-thessalonians/3-6-10 "Timothy's Encouraging Report")) reveal Paul's immense relief and joy upon Timothy's return with a positive report of their faith and love, underscoring the urgency of the concern expressed in verse 3.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The city of Thessalonica was a significant Roman colony and a bustling commercial center. Paul, Silas, and Timothy had established the church there during their second missionary journey (cf. [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica")). However, their ministry was cut short by violent opposition from jealous Jews who incited a mob, forcing Paul and Silas to flee. The new believers, many of whom were Gentiles turning from idolatry (cf. [1 Thessalonians 1:9](/1-thessalonians/1-9 "The Thessalonians' Conversion")), immediately faced social ostracism, economic hardship, and even physical persecution from their neighbors and fellow citizens who viewed their allegiance to Christ as a threat to traditional Roman customs and emperor worship. This constant pressure made steadfastness incredibly challenging, and Paul was acutely aware of the temptation for new converts to abandon their faith to escape suffering.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within 1 Thessalonians and Paul's broader theology. A primary theme is **Steadfastness in Affliction**, as Paul's central concern is that the Thessalonians remain firm in their faith despite external pressures. He desires that "no man should be moved by these afflictions," highlighting the necessity of spiritual resilience in the face of intense opposition. Closely related is the theme of the **Divine Appointment of Suffering**. Paul reminds them, "for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto," asserting that suffering is not an accidental or punitive experience but a preordained aspect of the Christian life, a truth echoed by Jesus Himself (cf. [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "Jesus Warns of Persecution")). This theological perspective helps believers understand that trials can be part of God's sovereign plan for their growth and the advancement of the Gospel. Finally, the verse underscores the importance of **Pastoral Care and Encouragement**, as Paul's act of sending Timothy exemplifies the vital role of spiritual leadership and community in supporting believers through difficult times, providing solidarity and comfort in shared experience (cf. [1 Thessalonians 3:1-2](/1-thessalonians/3-1-2 "Paul's Concern and Timothy's Mission")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **moved (Greek, _saínō'_):** From G4525, meaning "to wag (as a dog its tail fawningly), i.e. (generally) to shake (figuratively, disturb)." In this context, it conveys the idea of being agitated, destabilized, or disheartened by trials, leading one to lose their spiritual footing or even abandon their faith. It speaks to the psychological and spiritual impact of persecution on a believer's resolve.
* **afflictions (Greek, _thlîpsis'_):** From G2347, meaning "pressure (literally or figuratively)." This term encompasses various forms of distress, trouble, persecution, and tribulation. It refers to the external pressures and hardships the Thessalonian believers were experiencing due to their faith, such as social ostracism, economic hardship, or physical harm. It is a common New Testament word for the suffering endured by believers.
* **appointed (Greek, _keîmai'_):** From G2749, meaning "to lie outstretched (literally or figuratively); to be (appointed, laid up, made, set), lay, lie." In this context, it signifies a fixed, predetermined, or established reality. It implies that suffering is not an unexpected detour for Christians but a destined or divinely ordained path, a truth that was openly taught and understood among early believers.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"That no man should be moved by these afflictions":** This clause reveals Paul's primary pastoral concern and the purpose of his sending Timothy. The phrase "no man" (G3367, _mēdeís_) emphasizes the desire that *not a single individual* among them would be shaken or disturbed. The term "moved" (G4525, _saínō_) vividly portrays the danger of being unsettled, disheartened, or even swayed away from their faith by the "afflictions" (G2347, _thlîpsis_) they were enduring. Paul understood that persecution could lead to wavering faith, and his aim was to prevent such spiritual instability.
* **"for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.":** This second clause provides the theological grounding for Paul's expectation of steadfastness. The conjunction "for" (G1063, _gár_) introduces the reason or explanation. Paul appeals to their existing knowledge ("yourselves know," G1492, _eídō_), indicating that this truth was not new but a teaching they had received during his time with them. The crucial phrase "we are appointed thereunto" (G2749, _keîmai_ + G1519, _eis_ + G5124, _toûto_) signifies that suffering is a fixed, preordained, or destined reality for believers. It's not an accident but a part of the divine plan for those who follow Christ, a shared experience that includes the apostles themselves. This shared appointment to suffering provides a framework for understanding and enduring trials without being surprised or disheartened.

#### Literary Devices
Paul employs several literary devices in this concise verse to convey his urgent message. The verse exhibits a strong **Didactic Tone**, as Paul is clearly instructing and reminding the Thessalonians of a fundamental truth about Christian life. His language is direct and authoritative, stemming from his **Apostolic Authority** and pastoral concern. There is an element of **Anticipation** in Paul's concern, as he foresees the potential for their faith to be shaken by the ongoing "afflictions." By stating "no man should be moved," he sets a clear expectation for their resilience. Furthermore, the phrase "we are appointed thereunto" functions as a form of **Euphemism**, gently yet firmly stating the inevitability of suffering without explicitly using harsher terms like "persecution" or "tribulation" again, though "afflictions" has already set the context. This softened language emphasizes the divine ordering rather than merely the painful experience, offering a theological lens through which to view hardship.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
The truth that believers are "appointed" to affliction is a profound theological theme woven throughout Scripture, challenging the common human desire for an easy, comfortable life. It underscores God's sovereignty over all circumstances, even suffering, and reframes trials not as signs of divine displeasure or abandonment, but as integral to spiritual formation and the advancement of God's kingdom. This understanding cultivates resilience, shifts perspective from victimhood to purposeful endurance, and fosters a deeper reliance on God's grace. It also highlights the solidarity of the Christian experience, as believers throughout history and across cultures share in this common appointment.

* [Romans 5:3-5](/romans/5-3-5 "Rejoicing in Tribulations")
* [2 Timothy 3:12](/2-timothy/3-12 "Persecution for Godly Living")
* [Philippians 1:29](/philippians/1-29 "Suffering Granted as a Privilege")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's words in 1 Thessalonians 3:3 offer timeless wisdom and profound encouragement for believers navigating the complexities of life today. In a world that often promises comfort and ease, this verse serves as a vital reminder that suffering is not an anomaly but an expected, even appointed, part of the Christian journey. This understanding liberates us from the surprise and disillusionment that often accompany trials, allowing us to face adversity with a prepared heart and a theological framework. It calls us to cultivate steadfastness, not by sheer willpower, but by anchoring our faith in the sovereign plan of God, who uses all things, including our afflictions, for His glory and our good. Recognizing that we are "appointed thereunto" fosters a sense of solidarity with Christ and with fellow believers, knowing that we are not alone in our struggles, but participating in a shared experience that has been true for God's people throughout history.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does understanding that suffering is "appointed" change your perspective on personal trials?**
* **In what ways might the expectation of affliction prepare you to face future difficulties with greater steadfastness?**
* **How can the shared experience of suffering with other believers strengthen your faith and sense of community?**

### FAQ
**Does 1 Thessalonians 3:3 imply that God actively desires or causes our suffering?**

Answer: While the verse states that believers are "appointed thereunto," implying a divine ordination or allowance, it does not mean God delights in our suffering for its own sake. Rather, it speaks to the reality that in a fallen world hostile to God, those who follow Christ will inevitably face opposition and hardship. God, in His sovereignty, permits and even uses these afflictions not as punishment, but as means to refine our faith, develop our character, draw us closer to Him, and advance His kingdom. The "appointment" is less about God causing every specific trial and more about the established spiritual reality that suffering is an expected part of the path of discipleship, much like it was for Christ Himself (cf. [1 Peter 2:21](/1-peter/2-21 "Christ's Example of Suffering")). It's about God's overarching plan that incorporates the reality of suffering for a greater redemptive purpose.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The truth that believers are "appointed" to suffering finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ Himself. Our Lord was not merely acquainted with suffering; He was "appointed thereunto" in the most absolute sense, destined to suffer and die as the Lamb of God to take away the sin of the world (cf. [John 1:29](/john/1-29 "Jesus, the Lamb of God")). The author of Hebrews states that it was fitting for God to perfect the "author of their salvation through sufferings" (cf. [Hebrews 2:10](/hebrews/2-10 "Jesus Perfected Through Suffering")). Jesus Himself forewarned His disciples that they would face persecution, explicitly stating, "If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you" (cf. [John 15:20](/john/15-20 "Jesus Warns of Persecution")). Thus, our appointment to affliction is a participation in the sufferings of Christ (cf. [Philippians 3:10](/philippians/3-10 "Knowing Christ and the Power of His Resurrection")), a mark of true discipleship where the servant is not above his master (cf. [Matthew 10:24-25](/matthew/10-24-25 "A Disciple is Not Above His Teacher")). By enduring afflictions steadfastly, we not only bear witness to Christ but also experience a deeper fellowship with Him, knowing that He, our great High Priest, sympathizes with our weaknesses, having been tempted in every respect as we are, yet without sin (cf. [Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Jesus, Our High Priest")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Acts 14:22

Confirming the souls of the disciples, [and] exhorting them to continue in the faith, and that we must through much tribulation enter into the kingdom of God.

Romans 5:3

And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience;

Acts 9:16

For I will shew him how great things he must suffer for my name's sake.

John 16:33

These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

1 Corinthians 15:58

¶ Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye stedfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labour is not in vain in the Lord.

Acts 21:13

Then Paul answered, What mean ye to weep and to break mine heart? for I am ready not to be bound only, but also to die at Jerusalem for the name of the Lord Jesus.

Psalms 112:6

¶ Surely he shall not be moved for ever: the righteous shall be in everlasting remembrance.