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Selected Verse: 1 Thessalonians 3:3 - King James
Verse |
Translation |
Text |
1Th 3:3 |
King James |
That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto. |
Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse
A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882] |
moved--"shaken," "disturbed." The Greek is literally said of dogs wagging the tail in fawning on one. Therefore TITTMANN explains it, "That no man should, amidst his calamities, be allured by the flattering hope of a more pleasant life to abandon his duty." So ELSNER and BENGEL, "cajoled out of his faith." In afflictions, relatives and opponents combine with the ease-loving heart itself in flatteries, which it needs strong faith to overcome.
yourselves know--We always candidly told you so (Th1 3:4; Act 14:22). None but a religion from God would have held out such a trying prospect to those who should embrace it, and yet succeed in winning converts.
we--Christians.
appointed thereunto--by God's counsel (Th1 5:9). |
Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834] |
That no man should be moved - The word rendered "moved" (σαίνω sainō) occurs nowhere else in the New Testament. It properly means to wag, to move to and fro, as of dogs which wag their tails in fondness (Hom. Od. K. 216. AEl. A. N. 10:7. Ovid. 14:258); then to caress, to fawn upon, to flatter; then to move or waver in mind - as from fear; to dread, to tremble. See Passow and Wetstein. Here the sense is, to be so moved or agitated by fear, or by the terror of persecution, as to forsake their religion. The object of sending Timothy was, that they might not be thus moved, but that amidst all opposition they might adhere steadfastly to their religion.
These afflictions - See the notes at Th1 2:14.
For yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto - It is not quite certain whether by the word "we" here the apostle refers to himself; or to himself and the Thessalonians; or to Christians in general. On either supposition what he says is true, and either would meet the case. It would be most to the purpose, however, to suppose that he means to state the general idea that all Christians are exposed to persecution and could not hope to avoid it. It would then appear that the Thessalonians had partaken only of the common lot. Still there may have been a special reference to the fact that Paul and his fellow-laborers there were subjected to trials; and if this be the reference, then the idea is, that the Thessalonians should not be "moved" by their trials, for even their teachers were not exempt. Even their enemies could not say that the apostle and his co-workers were impostors, for they had persevered in preaching the gospel when they knew that these trials were coming upon them. The phrase, "we are appointed thereunto," means that such was the divine arrangement. No one who professed Christianity could hope to be exempted from trial, for it was the common lot of all believers; compare Co1 4:9 note; Ti2 3:12 note. |
Vincent's Word Studies, by Marvin R. Vincent [1886] |
Moved (σαίνεσθαι)
N.T.o olxx. 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.
We are appointed (κείμεθα)
As Luk 2:34 (see note); Phi 1:17. Comp. Act 14:22, in which occur four of the words used here. For the thought, see Mat 5:10; Mat 10:17; Mat 16:24; Pe1 2:21 ff.; Pe1 4:12; Ti2 3:12. |
Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65] |
We are appointed hereto - Are in every respect laid in a fit posture for it, by the very design and contrivance of God himself for the trial and increase of our faith and all other graces. He gives riches to the world; but stores up his treasure of wholesome afflictions for his children. |
Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826 |
That no man should be moved - That is, caused to apostatize from Christianity.
We are appointed thereunto - Εις τουτο κειμεθα· We are exposed to this, we lie open to such, they are unavoidable in the present state of things; as the Latins say, sic est sors nostra, "this is our lot." God appoints nothing of this kind, but he permits it: for he has made man a free agent. |
9 For God hath not appointed us to wrath, but to obtain salvation by our Lord Jesus Christ,
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.
4 For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
9 For I think that God hath set forth us the apostles last, as it were appointed to death: for we are made a spectacle unto the world, and to angels, and to men.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
12 Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.
12 Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you:
21 For even hereunto were ye called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that ye should follow his steps:
24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow me.
17 But beware of men: for they will deliver you up to the councils, and they will scourge you in their synagogues;
10 Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
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.
17 But the other of love, knowing that I am set for the defence of the gospel.
34 And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold, this child is set for the fall and rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against;