1 Thessalonians 3

1Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing ato be left behind at Athens alone, 2and we bsent Timothy, cour brother and God’s coworker
Some manuscripts servant
in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,
3that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that ewe are destined for this. 4For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, fjust as it has come to pass, and just as you know. 5For this reason, gwhen I could bear it no longer, hI sent to learn about your faith, ifor fear that somehow jthe tempter had tempted you and kour labor would be in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6But lnow that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of myour faith and love and reported nthat you always remember us kindly and olong to see us, as we long to see you 7for this reason, brothers,
Or  brothers and sisters
in all our distress and affliction qwe have been comforted about you through your faith.
8For now we live, if you rare standing fast in the Lord. 9For swhat thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, 10as we pray most earnestly tnight and day uthat we may see you face to face and vsupply what is lacking in your faith?

11Now may wour God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, xdirect our way to you, 12and may the Lord ymake you increase and abound in love zfor one another and for all, as we do for you, 13so that he may aaestablish your hearts blameless in holiness before abour God and Father, at acthe coming of our Lord Jesus adwith all his saints.

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