Unmoved by Trial
T. Guthrie, D. D. 1 Thessalonians 3:4 For truly, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and you know. I have seen a tree proudly crowning the summit of a naked rock, and there, with its roots spread out over the bare stone, and sent down into every cranny in search of food, it stood securely moored to the stormy crag. I have wondered how it could grow up there, starved on the bare, naked rock, and how it had survived the rough nursing of many a winter blast. Yet, like some neglected, ragged child, who from early childhood has been familiar with adversities, it has lived and grown and held itself erect on its weather-beaten crag when the pride of the valley has bent to the storm; like men who, scorning to yield, bravely nail their colours to the mast, there it maintains its defiant position, and keeps its green flag waving on nature's rugged battlements. (T. Guthrie, D. D.) Parallel Verses KJV: For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know. WEB: For most certainly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.