1 Thessalonians 3:7 - Exposition

Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you —with reference to you— in all our affliction and distress. Some refer "affliction" to outward troubles, and "distress" to internal evils—referring the one to the persecutions arising from his Corinthian opponents, and the other to his bodily infirmity (Koch). Such a distinction is, however, precarious. The words do not refer to the apostle's anxiety on account of the Thessalonians, for that was removed by the coming of Timothy. Clearly some external trouble is denoted. Paul, when he preached the gospel at Corinth, and before he obtained the protection of Gallio, was exposed to much persecution and danger. The Jews had expelled him from their synagogue ( Acts 18:6 ), and attempts had been made against him which at length broke out into an insurrection against him, when he was dragged before the Roman tribunal ( Acts 18:12 ). His condition at Corinth when he wrote this Epistle was dark and gloomy. By your faith ; by the steadfastness of your faith. The good news which Timothy brought of the faith and love of the Thessalonians comforted the apostle amid all the trials and difficulties and disappointments of his ministry (comp. with this passage 2 Corinthians 7:4-7 ).