1 Thessalonians 3:5

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

For this {G5124} cause {G1223}, when I {G2504} could {G4722} no longer {G3371} forbear {G4722}, I sent {G3992} to {G1519} know {G1097} your {G5216} faith {G4102}, lest by some means {G3381}{G4458} the tempter {G3985} have tempted {G3985} you {G5209}, and {G2532} our {G2257} labour {G2873} be {G1096} in {G1519} vain {G2756}.

Complete Jewish Bible

That is the reason why, after I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your trust. I was afraid that somehow the Tempter had tempted you, and our hard work had been wasted.

Berean Standard Bible

For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you and caused our labor to be in vain.

American Standard Version

For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In 1 Thessalonians 3:5, the Apostle Paul articulates the profound pastoral anxiety that compelled him to dispatch Timothy to the nascent church in Thessalonica. Having been abruptly separated from them due to persecution, Paul’s overwhelming concern was for the steadfastness of their faith. He feared that the intense trials they faced might have led them astray, allowing "the tempter" to undermine their newfound conviction and thereby render his strenuous apostolic "labour" among them utterly fruitless. This verse encapsulates Paul's deep spiritual burden and his proactive measures to safeguard the spiritual well-being of the believers.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the culmination of Paul's explanation for sending Timothy, a decision driven by his intense longing and inability to bear the separation from the Thessalonian believers (cf. [1 Thessalonians 2:17-20](/1_thessalonians/2-17-20 "Paul's Desire to See the Thessalonians")). Having established the church and then been forced to leave, Paul, Silas, and Timothy found themselves in Athens (as noted in [1 Thessalonians 3:1](/1_thessalonians/3-1 "Paul Sends Timothy from Athens")). Paul's deep concern for the spiritual maturity and endurance of these relatively new converts led him to send Timothy back to them, specifically "to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith" ([1 Thessalonians 3:2](/1_thessalonians/3-2 "Timothy's Mission to Thessalonica")). Verse 5 explicitly states the underlying fear that necessitated this mission: the potential for their faith to collapse under duress, thereby nullifying the gospel work. The subsequent verses (e.g., [1 Thessalonians 3:6-10](/1_thessalonians/3-6-10 "Timothy's Return and Paul's Joy")) then reveal Timothy's return with good news, alleviating Paul's anxiety.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The church in Thessalonica was founded during Paul's second missionary journey, as recounted in [Acts 17:1-9](/acts/17-1-9 "Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica"). Paul's ministry there was remarkably brief, lasting perhaps only a few weeks, yet it yielded significant conversions. However, this success was met with immediate and severe opposition from both Jewish and Gentile factions, forcing Paul and his companions to flee. The new believers were left to navigate a hostile environment without their apostolic mentors. This context of intense, ongoing persecution (cf. [1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "The Thessalonians' Imitation of the Lord Amidst Affliction") and [1 Thessalonians 2:14](/1_thessalonians/2-14 "The Thessalonians' Suffering Like the Churches in Judea")) made Paul's concern for their spiritual endurance particularly acute. The cultural backdrop included a widespread belief in spiritual forces, making the concept of "the tempter" resonate with the audience, who would understand Satan as a real and active adversary.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully highlights several core themes woven throughout Paul's letter. Firstly, it underscores Paul's profound **pastoral concern** and genuine affection for the Thessalonian believers, demonstrating the heart of a spiritual father deeply invested in the spiritual health of his children. His willingness to forgo his own comfort and send his trusted companion, Timothy, speaks volumes about his commitment to their steadfastness (cf. [2 Corinthians 11:28](/2_corinthians/11-28 "Paul's Daily Burden for the Churches")). Secondly, the verse explicitly addresses the **reality of spiritual warfare and temptation**. Paul acknowledges an active, malevolent force—"the tempter"—that seeks to undermine faith, especially during times of trial. This theme is crucial for understanding the challenges faced by early Christians and believers today. Thirdly, it emphasizes the **centrality of enduring faith**. For Paul, faith is not merely an initial decision but a dynamic, living trust that must withstand external pressures and internal doubts. Its preservation is paramount for a thriving Christian life and for the validation of apostolic ministry. Finally, the phrase "our labour be in vain" highlights the **vulnerability and profound investment of apostolic ministry**, where the success of the gospel hinges on the perseverance of those who receive it.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Forbear (Greek, _stégō'_):** Derived from a word meaning "to roof over," this term figuratively means "to cover with silence" or "to endure patiently." In this context, Paul's phrase "when I could no longer forbear" (G4722 `stegō` with G3371 `mēkéti`) signifies his inability to continue enduring the intense anxiety and uncertainty about the Thessalonians' spiritual state. He could no longer passively bear the suspense; his pastoral concern compelled him to act.
* **Tempter (Greek, _peirázō'_):** This word (G3985 `peirázō`) refers to one who tests, tries, or entices. When used as a noun, "the tempter" specifically designates Satan, the devil. It highlights his characteristic role as the adversary who seeks to scrutinize, entice, and lead people into sin or away from God. Paul's use of this specific title underscores his belief in a personal, malevolent spiritual force actively working against the faith of believers.
* **Labour (Greek, _kópos'_):: This term (G2873 `kópos`) denotes intense toil, weariness, or pain. It refers to the strenuous effort, hardship, and suffering that Paul and his companions endured in their missionary work—preaching, teaching, establishing churches, and facing persecution. Paul's fear that this "labour" might "be in vain" emphasizes the profound investment of his entire being into the spiritual lives of the Thessalonians.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"For this cause, when I could no longer forbear":** Paul begins by stating the compelling reason for his action. His emotional and spiritual burden regarding the Thessalonians had reached an unbearable point. He could no longer passively endure the uncertainty and anxiety about their spiritual condition, especially given the severe persecution they were facing. This phrase conveys the depth of his pastoral love and distress.
* **"I sent to know your faith":** This clause reveals Paul's proactive and decisive response to his anxiety. He dispatched Timothy, his trusted co-worker, with a specific mission: to ascertain the true state of their faith. The Greek word for "know" (G1097 `ginṓskō`) implies not just intellectual understanding, but a deep, experiential knowledge of their spiritual steadfastness and perseverance amidst trials.
* **"lest by some means the tempter have tempted you":** Here, Paul articulates his precise fear. He was concerned that the severe pressures and persecutions they faced might have been exploited by "the tempter" (Satan). The repetition of the root word `peirázō` (tempter/tempted) emphasizes the direct, insidious nature of this spiritual attack. The tempter's goal is to test their faith to the point of collapse or apostasy.
* **"and our labour be in vain":** This final phrase expresses the devastating consequence Paul feared most. If the Thessalonians' faith failed, all the strenuous effort, suffering, and spiritual investment Paul and his team had poured into establishing and nurturing that church would be rendered "empty" (G2756 `kenós`), useless, or without purpose. It highlights the profound spiritual stakes involved in gospel ministry and the enemy's desire to nullify God's work.

#### Literary Devices
Paul's expression in [1 Thessalonians 3:5](/1_thessalonians/3-5 "1 Thessalonians 3:5 - Paul's Concern for the Thessalonians") is rich with literary techniques that amplify his message. The use of **Pathos** is evident in Paul's deeply emotional confession, "when I could no longer forbear," which powerfully conveys his profound anxiety and paternal concern for the Thessalonians. This personal vulnerability draws the readers into his pastoral heart. Furthermore, Paul employs **Personification** by explicitly naming "the tempter" as an active, malevolent agent. This gives a concrete face to the spiritual opposition, making the threat tangible and emphasizing the reality of spiritual warfare. The phrase "our labour be in vain" functions as a powerful **Metaphor**, portraying his ministry as an arduous investment, the fruit of which could be lost. This also sets up an implicit **Antithesis** between the intense effort expended ("labour") and the potential for it to yield no lasting result ("in vain"), highlighting the spiritual battle for the souls of believers and the ultimate purpose of gospel ministry.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Paul's anxiety and proactive measures in [1 Thessalonians 3:5](/1_thessalonians/3-5 "1 Thessalonians 3:5 - Paul's Concern for the Thessalonians") underscore fundamental theological truths about the Christian life. It reveals the reality of spiritual warfare, where believers are engaged in a constant struggle against unseen forces, personified by "the tempter." This is not merely a psychological battle but a direct assault on faith, particularly potent during times of external pressure and persecution. The verse also highlights the critical importance of perseverance in faith, emphasizing that genuine faith is not only initiated by God but also sustained through trials, often with the support of the believing community and faithful pastoral oversight. Paul's concern for his "labour" not being "in vain" speaks to the divine economy of ministry, where human effort, empowered by the Spirit, contributes to God's eternal purposes, and its fruit is precious and vulnerable. Ultimately, this passage points to God's faithfulness in preserving His people, even as they face temptation, often through the instrumentality of His servants.

* [James 1:2-4](/james/1-2-4 "James 1:2-4 - The Testing of Faith")
* [1 Peter 5:8-9](/1_peter/5-8-9 "1 Peter 5:8-9 - Resist the Devil")
* [2 Corinthians 11:28](/2_corinthians/11-28 "2 Corinthians 11:28 - Paul's Daily Burden for the Churches")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Paul's deeply personal confession in [1 Thessalonians 3:5](/1_thessalonians/3-5 "1 Thessalonians 3:5 - Paul's Concern for the Thessalonians") offers timeless lessons for believers and leaders today. It serves as a powerful reminder that the Christian journey is not without its adversaries. We must cultivate a sober awareness that "the tempter" is a real and active spiritual force, constantly seeking opportunities, especially during our moments of vulnerability, trial, or isolation, to sow doubt, incite sin, or cause us to abandon our faith. This awareness should prompt us to vigilance, prayer, and reliance on God's strength. Furthermore, Paul's actions exemplify the profound value of genuine pastoral care and mutual accountability within the body of Christ. Just as Paul dispatched Timothy, we are called to actively check in on one another, offering encouragement, support, and spiritual strengthening, particularly to those who are new in faith or enduring significant hardship. Our faith is not meant to be a solitary endeavor but is often nurtured and sustained within the context of caring community, ensuring that the "labour" of evangelism and discipleship is not rendered "in vain."

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How do I recognize the "tempter's" attempts to undermine my faith, especially during difficult times?**
* **In what ways can I actively support and encourage the faith of fellow believers, particularly those new to the faith or facing trials?**
* **What "labour" (spiritual investment) am I making for the Kingdom, and how can I guard against it being "in vain"?**
* **How does my understanding of God's sovereignty inform my response to temptation and suffering?**

### FAQ
**Why was Paul so concerned about the Thessalonians' faith?**

Answer: Paul's concern stemmed from several factors. Firstly, the Thessalonian church was relatively new, founded during a brief but intense period of ministry, meaning the believers were likely still immature in their faith and lacked extensive teaching. Secondly, Paul's ministry there was cut short by severe persecution, forcing him to leave abruptly. This left the new converts to face ongoing, intense trials (as mentioned in [1 Thessalonians 1:6](/1_thessalonians/1-6 "The Thessalonians' Imitation of the Lord Amidst Affliction") and [1 Thessalonians 2:14](/1_thessalonians/2-14 "The Thessalonians' Suffering Like the Churches in Judea")) without his direct presence and guidance. Paul feared that this combination of immaturity and intense pressure might cause them to falter, abandon their faith, or succumb to the schemes of the tempter.

**Who is "the tempter" mentioned in this verse?**

Answer: "The tempter" (Greek: `ho peirazōn`) is a specific designation for Satan, the devil. This term emphasizes his primary role as one who tests, tries, and entices people to sin or to abandon their faith. He is the adversary of God and His people, actively seeking to undermine faith and nullify the work of God's kingdom. This same title is notably used in the account of [Jesus' temptation in the wilderness](/matthew/4-3 "Matthew 4:3 - The Tempter Comes to Jesus").

**What does it mean for "our labour be in vain"?**

Answer: For Paul, "our labour" refers to the immense effort, toil, suffering, and spiritual investment he and his co-workers (Silas and Timothy) poured into establishing and nurturing the Thessalonian church. This included preaching the gospel, teaching, discipling, and enduring persecution for their sake. To have this "labour be in vain" (Greek: `kenós`) means that all their strenuous efforts would be rendered "empty," useless, or without purpose. If the Thessalonians' faith did not endure, it would signify that the enemy had succeeded in nullifying the fruit of their ministry, making their sacrifices and pains seem meaningless in terms of eternal impact.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Paul's intense pastoral concern for the Thessalonians, fearing that "the tempter" might undermine their faith and render his "labour" in vain, finds its ultimate answer and fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Christ himself faced the direct onslaught of "the tempter" in the wilderness, enduring and overcoming every temptation without sin ([Matthew 4:1-11](/matthew/4-1-11 "Matthew 4:1-11 - The Temptation of Jesus")). This makes Him our sympathetic High Priest, one who can deeply relate to our struggles, "for we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin" ([Hebrews 4:15](/hebrews/4-15 "Hebrews 4:15 - Jesus, Our Sympathetic High Priest")). Furthermore, Jesus is the Good Shepherd who lays down His life for His sheep ([John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - Jesus, the Good Shepherd")) and promises that "no one will snatch them out of my hand" ([John 10:28](/john/10-28 "John 10:28 - No One Can Snatch Them")). Paul's anxiety, though real and human, is ultimately assuaged by the sovereign power of Christ, who intercedes for His own ([Romans 8:34](/romans/8-34 "Romans 8:34 - Christ's Intercession")) and ensures that the faith of His elect will endure to the end. Therefore, while human "labour" in ministry is vital, its ultimate fruitfulness is guaranteed not by human strength or perfect perseverance, but by the unfailing work of Christ, who ensures that "your labor in the Lord is not in vain" ([1 Corinthians 15:58](/1_corinthians/15-58 "1 Corinthians 15:58 - Labour in the Lord is Not in Vain")).

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

James 1:13

¶ Let no man say when he is tempted, I am tempted of God: for God cannot be tempted with evil, neither tempteth he any man:

James 1:14

But every man is tempted, when he is drawn away of his own lust, and enticed.

Matthew 4:3

And when the tempter came to him, he said, If thou be the Son of God, command that these stones be made bread.

2 Corinthians 2:11

Lest Satan should get an advantage of us: for we are not ignorant of his devices.

Philippians 2:16

Holding forth the word of life; that I may rejoice in the day of Christ, that I have not run in vain, neither laboured in vain.

Galatians 1:6

¶ I marvel that ye are so soon removed from him that called you into the grace of Christ unto another gospel:

Galatians 1:9

As we said before, so say I now again, If any [man] preach any other gospel unto you than that ye have received, let him be accursed.