1Th 3 | HCSB | STEP | Therefore , when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens .

1 Thessalonians 3

Anxiety in Athens

1 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. ^a 2 And we sent Timothy, ^b our brother and God’s coworker ^{▼▼Other mss read servant} in the gospel of Christ, ^d to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to ^{▼▼Or are destined for} this. 4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.

Encouraged by Timothy

6 But now Timothy has come to us ^f from you and brought us good news about your faith and love and reported that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you. ^g 7 Therefore, ^{▼▼brother(s): The Greek word adelphoi can be used as a reference to males only or to groups that include males and females. It is the context of each usage that determines the proper meaning.}brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand firm ⁱ in the Lord. 9 How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy ^j we experience before our God because of you, 10 as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face ^k and to complete what is lacking in your faith? ^l

Prayer for the Church

11 Now may our God and Father ^m Himself, and our Lord Jesus, ⁿ direct our way to you. 12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love ^o for one another ^p and for everyone, just as we also do for you. 13 May He make your hearts blameless ^q in holiness ^r before our God and Father at the coming ^s of our Lord ^t Jesus with all His ^{▼▼saint(s)/sanctification/sanctify/sanctified: The work of the Holy Spirit that separates believers in Jesus from the world; at the time of saving faith in Jesus, the believer is made a saint; therefore, all believers are saints. The believer participates with the Spirit in a process of transformation that continues until glorification. The goal of sanctification is progressive conformity to the image of Jesus Christ.}saints. ^{▼▼Amen: The transliteration of a Hebrew word signifying that something is certain, valid, truthful, or faithful; it is often used at the end of biblical songs, hymns, and prayers.}Amen. ^{▼▼Other mss omit Amen.}