1 Thessalonians 3 YLT
Summary: Unable to bear the suspense of not knowing how the Thessalonians were faring under persecution, Paul sent Timothy from Athens to strengthen and encourage their faith. Timothy's return brings good news of their steadfast faith and love, and of their continued affection for Paul, greatly comforting him amid his own distress. Paul expresses joy before God and prays earnestly to see them again in person to supply what is lacking in their faith. The chapter closes with a prayer that the Lord would increase their love for one another and establish their hearts blameless in holiness at Christ's coming.
1Wherefore no longer forbearing, we thought good to be left in Athens alone,
2and did send Timotheus--our brother, and a ministrant of God, and our fellow-workman in the good news of the Christ--to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith,
3that no one be moved in these tribulations, for yourselves have known that for this we are set,
4for even when we were with you, we said to you beforehand, that we are about to suffer tribulation, as also it did come to pass, and ye have known it;
5because of this also, I, no longer forbearing, did send to know your faith, lest he who is tempting did tempt you, and in vain might be our labour.
6And now Timotheus having come unto us from you, and having declared good news to us of your faith and love, and that ye have a good remembrance of us always, desiring much to see us, as we also to see you,
7because of this we were comforted, brethren, over you, in all our tribulation and necessity, through your faith,
8because now we live, if ye may stand fast in the Lord;
9for what thanks are we able to recompense to God for you, for all the joy with which we do joy because of you in the presence of our God?
10night and day exceedingly beseeching, that we might see your face, and perfect the things lacking in your faith.
11And our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you,
12and you the Lord cause to increase and to abound in the love to one another, and to all, even as we also to you,
13to the establishing your hearts blameless in sanctification before our God and Father, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.
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