1 Thessalonians 3:4-5 4For indeed when we were with you, we were telling us in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it happened as you know.5For this reason, when I could no longer endure, I also sent to find out about your faith, lest somehow the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
Suffering is inevitable for believers, although the degree and form of this suffering will vary. This suffering can be from minor mental stress and discomfort from having to live by convictions in a contrary situation, to outright bodily harm and pain. Paul hints in these verses that he suffered from both degrees of suffering. Acts 17 indicates that he and Silas experienced physical suffering. He had predicted that they would face such persecution, and that is what happened. He also had mental suffering in the way of carrying a burden for the spiritual development of the Thessalonians. His deep concern was more positive in that it moved him to action by sending Timothy back to check on these young believers. Suffering can move us to action, as it did for Paul.
The Thessalonians also were experiencing mental and physical affliction. These verses only hint at this suffering, but Paul had already pointed out their physical persecution in chapter 2. In chapter 4, he will address the issue of mental or spiritual suffering that comes in living a holy life in an immoral culture. Letting suffering go on unchecked by encouragement and strengthening of our faith can give the devil an opportunity to tempt us, particularly with discouragement. Paul was concerned that the Thessalonians would even fall back into sin and that the effort of him, Silas, and Timothy would have been in vain.
This last thought particularly emphasizes the need to help new and young believers become deeply grounded in their faith and to encourage them as they face pressures from contrary cultural norms, family, friends, and community. Essentially, Paul is helping them build a new community and new identity.
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