1 Thessalonians 3

1 So when we couldn't bear it any longer, we decided it would be best for us to stay behind in Athens,

Therefore, when we could not stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone,

2 and send Timothy on to you. He is our brother and God's co-worker in spreading the good news of Christ. We sent him to strengthen and encourage you in your trust in God

and sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Messiah, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith;

3 so that none of you would be upset by your troubles—for you know we should expect such things.

that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task.

4 Even while we were with you we kept on warning you that we would suffer persecution soon— and as you well know that is exactly what has happened.

For truly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.

5 This is why, when I couldn't stand it anymore, I sent to find out whether you were still trusting in God. I was concerned that the Devil had successfully tempted you and that all our work had been for nothing!

For this cause I also, when I could not stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.

6 Now Timothy has just returned from visiting you and he has brought us good news of your trust in God and the love you have. He's told us that you still have fond memories of us, longing to see us just as we long to see you.

But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you;

7 This news really encouraged us while we were suffering troubles ourselves, brothers and sisters, knowing that you continue to hold on to your trust in God.

for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith.

8 For us life is worth living now because you're standing firm in the Lord!

For now we live, since you stand firm in the Lord.

9 As we go into the presence of our God, how can we ever thank God enough for you because of all the joy you bring to us?

For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

10 Night and day we pray for you as earnestly as possible, hoping to see you again face to face, and to help you continue developing your trust in God.

night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11 May God our Father and our Lord Jesus make it possible for us to come to see you soon.

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you;

12 May the Lord increase your love so it overflows to one another, and to everyone, just as we love you.

and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, even as we also do toward you,

13 In this way may the Lord strengthen you so you may stand with minds that are holy and blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.

to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.