When we could no longer forbear (μηκετ στεγοντες). Στεγω is old verb to cover from στεγη, roof (Mark 2:4), to cover with silence, to conceal, to keep off, to endure as here and 1. Corinthians 9:12; 1. Corinthians 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 1. Thessalonians 2:18 or Paul and Silas as more likely. If so, both Timothy and Silas came to Athens (Acts 17:15), but Timothy was sent ( we sent , επεμψαμεν, verse 1. Thessalonians 3:2) right back to Thessalonica and later Paul sent Silas on to Beroea or Thessalonica (verse 1. Thessalonians 3:5,

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

Alone (μονο). Including Silas.

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

fellow-worker (συνεργον). Already

apostle in 1. Thessalonians 2:7 and now

brother, minister (and possibly

fellow-worker ).