1 Thessalonians 2:1

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2:1 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, ¹  about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless. ² 

1 Thessalonians 2:18

2:18 For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again) ³  but Satan thwarted us.

1 Thessalonians 3:4

3:4 For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know. ⁴ 

[2:1]  ¹ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

[2:1]  ² tn Grk “has not become empty.” Paul is defending himself against the charge that he lacked earnestness and personal concern for them, but appeared in their city out of greed or egotism. In his defense he appeals to what they recall of his ministry and what has become of it since he left, all of which demonstrates his God-given earnestness and effectiveness.

[2:18]  ³ tn Or “several times”; Grk, “both once and twice.” The literal expression “once and twice” is frequently used as a Greek idiom referring to an indefinite low number, but more than once (“several times”); see L&N 60.70.

[3:4]  ⁵ tn Grk “just as it also occurred and you know.”