Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Thessalonians 3:1

1 WHerefore when we could no longer forbear †, we thought it good † to be left at Athens alone:

The Apostle proceeds upon the same Argument to confirm his love to them, and care of them, that they might not doubt of it, because of his long absence from them. Therefore he tells them that though he could not come himself, yet he sent Timotheus to them from Athens, which we find not mentioned in the Acts by Luke; and his love herein is commended the more, 1. because he sent him out of a strong impulse of affection, he could not forbear any longer, or bear, it was a heavy burden to him till he had done it, as the word imports. 2. He was content to be left at Athens alone by parting with Timothy, though his company was so desirable and useful to him at that time. And he was well pleased so to do for their sakes, [non-Latin text not transcribed] he had a complacence of mind in so doing, so much he preferr'd their good before his own contentment.