3:1 Propter quod non sustinentes amplius, placuit nobis remanere Athenis, solis :
*H For which cause, forbearing no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens alone.
Ver. 1. Forbearing no longer. That is, not being able to be at rest, for not seeing you, nor hearing concerning you. Wi. — Not bearing to be any longer uncertain and uninformed of your constancy, amidst the tribulations you had to endure, I sent Timothy to strengthen you, that you might not be moved in the difficulties to which we are destined, and which it is appointed for us to undergo. Calmet.
3:2 et misimus Timotheum fratrem nostrum, et ministrum Dei in Evangelio Christi, ad confirmandos vos, et exhortandos pro fide vestra :
And we sent Timothy, our brother and the minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and exhort you concerning your faith:
* Footnote
* Acts
6 : 1
And in those days, the number of the disciples increasing, there arose a murmuring of the Greeks against the Hebrews, for that their widows were neglected in the daily ministration.
3:3 ut nemo moveatur in tribulationibus istis : ipsi enim scitis quod in hoc positi sumus.
*H That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.
Ver. 3. That we are appointed thereunto. That is, meet with trials and troubles in this world, as our Saviour Christ foretold. Wi.
3:4 Nam et cum apud vos essemus, praedicebamus vobis passuros nos tribulationes, sicut et factum est, et scitis.
For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations: as also it is come to pass, and you know.
3:5 Propterea et ego amplius non sustinens, misi ad cognoscendam fidem vestram : ne forte tentaverit vos is qui tentat, et inanis fiat labor noster.
For this cause also, I, forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth should have tempted you: and our labour should be made vain.
3:6 Nunc autem veniente Timotheo ad nos a vobis, et annuntiante nobis fidem et caritatem vestram, et quia memoriam nostri habetis bonam semper, desiderantes nos videre, sicut et nos quoque vos :
But now when Timothy came to us from you and related to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we also to see you:
3:7 ideo consolati sumus, fratres, in vobis in omni necessitate et tribulatione nostra, per fidem vestram,
Therefore we were comforted, brethren, in you, in all our necessity and tribulation, by your faith.
3:8 quoniam nunc vivimus, si vos statis in Domino.
*H Because now we live, if you stand in the Lord.
Ver. 8. We live. That is, we live in joy and comfort, if you stand firm in the faith of Christ, as you ought. Wi. — The news that you stand steadfast in the Lord, reanimates me under all my sufferings, and as it were raises me to life again from the shadow of death, under which I am placed. O that I could see you, to complete the work of instructing you in the faith, which I have begun.
3:9 Quam enim gratiarum actionem possumus Deo retribuere pro vobis in omni gaudio, quo gaudemus propter vos ante Deum nostrum,
For what thanks can we return to God for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our God,
3:10 nocte ac die abundantius orantes, ut videamus faciem vestram, et compleamus ea quae desunt fidei vestrae ?
*H Night and day more abundantly praying that we may see your face and may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith?
Ver. 10. That we may see you face. Though epistles in absence give great comfort, and help to confirm the faith once delivered, it is by preaching that the faith of Jesus Christ and true religion are both begun and accomplished. — And may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith? That is, give you fuller instructions. Wi.
3:11 Ipse autem Deus, et Pater noster, et Dominus noster Jesus Christus, dirigat viam nostram ad vos.
Now God himself and our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.
3:12 Vos autem Dominus multiplicet, et abundare faciat caritatem vestram in invicem, et in omnes, quemadmodum et nos in vobis :
*H And may the Lord multiply you and make you abound in charity towards one another and towards all men: as we do also towards you,
Ver. 12. And may the Lord multiply you. That is, increase the number of Christians among you. Wi.
3:13 ad confirmanda corda vestra sine querela in sanctitate, ante Deum et Patrem nostrum, in adventu Domini nostri Jesu Christi cum omnibus sanctis ejus. Amen.
To confirm your hearts without blame, in holiness, before God and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen.