The desired effect of Timothy’s ministry in Thessalonica was that no one would be moved by the afflictions. The key term here is the verb translated moved
(NIV: unsettled) (Greek: σαίνεσθαι). The Greek word appears only once in the New Testament and is uncommon in Greek literature as a whole. It can refer to the wagging of a dog’s tail, and came to refer figuratively to a person using flattery or displaying exaggerated affection. A number of commentators have thus inferred that Paul used the word to indicate flattery and attractive deception. The meaning here would then be that some people hostile to the Christian faith were attempting to draw the Thessalonian believers away from Christ by highlighting the benefits they would receive through denying their newfound faith—no persecution, social acceptance, etc.1,2,3,4 However, Paul indicates that the cause of the Thessalonians becoming unsettled
or beguiled
was “these afflictions“ (NIV: trials); trials do not present an attractive deception, which suggests a different meaning for σαίνεσθαι. The wagging of a dog’s tail led to another figurative meaning for σαίνεσθαι, namely to be shaken,
disturbed,
or psychologically and emotionally unsettled. This meaning is attested in some ancient documents, one of which speaks of questions of the faith which disturbed us,
and most recent commentators accept this meaning.5,6,7,8
3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.