1Th 3:1 | RWP | e4.org | When we could no longer forbear ( μηκετ στεγοντες ). Στεγω is old verb to cover from στεγη , roof ( ), to cover with silence, to conceal, to keep off, to endure as here and ; . In the papyri in this sense (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary ). Μηκετ usual negative with participle in the Koine rather than ουκετ . We thought it good ( ηυδοκησαμεν ). Either literary plural as in or Paul and Silas as more likely. If so, both Timothy and Silas came to Athens ( .), but Timothy was sent ( we sent , επεμψαμεν , verse ) right back to Thessalonica and later Paul sent Silas on to Beroea or Thessalonica (verse , I sent , επεμψα ). Then both Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia to Corinth ( ). Alone ( μονο ). Including Silas. God's minister ( διακονον του θεου ). See on for this interesting word, here in general sense not technical sense of deacon. Some MSS. have fellow-worker ( συνεργον ). Already apostle in and now brother, minister (and possibly fellow-worker ).

‏ 1 Thessalonians 3:1

When we could no longer forbear ( μηκετ στεγοντες ). Στεγω is old verb to cover from στεγη, roof (Mr 2:4), to cover with silence, to conceal, to keep off, to endure as here and 1Co 9:12; 13:7. In the papyri in this sense (Moulton and Milligan's Vocabulary). Μηκετ usual negative with participle in the Koine rather than ουκετ.

We thought it good ( ηυδοκησαμεν ). Either literary plural as in 2:18 or Paul and Silas as more likely. If so, both Timothy and Silas came to Athens (Ac 17:15f.), but Timothy was sent ( we sent, επεμψαμεν, verse 2) right back to Thessalonica and later Paul sent Silas on to Beroea or Thessalonica (verse 5,

I sent, επεμψα ). Then both Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia to Corinth (Ac 18:5).

Alone ( μονο ). Including Silas.

God's minister ( διακονον του θεου ). See on Mt 22:13 for this interesting word, here in general sense not technical sense of deacon. Some MSS. have

fellow-worker ( συνεργον ). Already

apostle in 2:7 and now

brother, minister (and possibly

fellow-worker).