For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.
Truth to Learn
Effective ministers of God will suffer opposition and trouble.
Behind the Words
The words “we told … before” are translated from the verb prolegō, which is made up of pro, meaning “before in time or position” and lego, meaning “to relate in words” or “to say.” Therefore, prolegō means “to say something ahead of time,” that is, “to foretell.” It is expressed here in the imperfect tense which indicates past continuous or repeated action. It could be translated as “we began telling you,” “we were telling you,” or “we used to tell you.”
“We were” is from the verb eimi, the verb of “being,” meaning “to exist.” It, too, is expressed in the imperfect tense, indicating past continual action.
The words “we would” are from the verb mellō, meaning “about to be.” It is expressed in the present tense and indicative mood, so it could be translated as “we are about to be.”
Thilbō is the Greek verb translated “suffer tribulation.” It is closely related to the word thlipsis, which we saw in the previous verse, meaning “pressure, stress, trouble, or affliction.” Thilbō means “to afflict” or “to cause to suffer tribulation.” It is expressed in the passive voice, indicating action happening to the subject.
Meaning Explained
Paul had sent Timothy to the Thessalonians to strengthen and encourage them in the face of the afflictions that Paul and his companions have been suffering. Paul was shown years before that he would suffer as a result of his ministry for God. Now that he is undergoing such tribulation, it appears it was causing the Thessalonians to be shaken in their faith. They must have thought that Paul and his companions had lost God’s blessing on their ministry because He allowed such things to happen.
In defense of the fact that he was still doing God’s work, with God’s blessing, Paul now tells his fellow Christians that he had forewarned them about it. He says, “Even when we were with you, we repeatedly told you ahead of time that these things would happen.” He knew that opposition, stress, troubles, and suffering are all part of an effective ministry. Notice that according to John’s gospel, Jesus even told His disciples,
… In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. (John 16:33b)
Paul knew that the forces of evil are powerful and will do anything to oppose God’s ministers and discourage them. He also told the Philippians that suffering was part of serving:
For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, (Philippians 1:29)
Application
Are you working hard to serve God faithfully? Does it seem that God has deserted you because you are facing opposition and anguish as a result? Don’t despair! God has not taken His blessing from you. He may not take you out of the storm, but he will give you peace in the midst of it. God is faithful!
In God's service, for His glory,
Copyright © 2012 Will Krause. All rights reserved