1 Thessalonians 3:3 - Exposition

This verse contains the object of the exhortation; the clause is an accusative to the verb. That no man should be moved (or, shaken ) by; or rather in ; expressing the position in which they were placed. These afflictions. The same word as "tribulation" in the next verse. For yourselves know. How they knew is explained, partly from the forewarnings of the apostle, and partly from their own experience. That we ; not to be referred to Paul only, nor to Paul and his companions, Silas and Timothy, nor to Paul and the Thessalonians, but to all Christians in general; that we Christians. Are appointed thereunto ; namely, by God. Our afflictions do not result from chance, but are the necessary consequence of our Christianity; they arise from the appointment and ordinance of God. Tribulation is the Christian's portion. Whatever truth there may be in the saying that prosperity is the promise of the Old Testament, affliction is certainly the promise of the New. We must be conformed to Christ in his sufferings. "In the world," says our Lord, "ye shall have tribulation" ( John 16:33 ). When our Lord called Paul to his apostleship, he showed him how great things he must suffer for his Name's sake ( Acts 9:16 ). All the apostles suffered from persecution, and concerning Christians in general Paul asserts that it is only through tribulation that they can enter into the kingdom of God ( Acts 14:22 ; see Revelation 7:14 ).