1 Therefore A1 Thess 3:5when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at BActs 17:15fAthens alone, 2 and we sent A2 Cor 1:1; Col 1:1Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3 so that no one would be 1Or deceiveddisturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that AActs 9:16; 14:22we have been destined for this. 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; 1Lit just asA1 Thess 2:14and so it came to pass, 2Lit andas you know. 5 For this reason, APhil 2:19; 1 Thess 3:1when I could endure it no longer, I also B1 Thess 3:2sent to 1Or to know, to ascertainfind out about your faith, for fear that CMatt 4:3the tempter might have tempted you, and D2 Cor 6:1; Phil 2:16our labor would be in vain.

6 But now that AActs 18:5Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of B1 Thess 1:3your faith and love, and that you always C1 Cor 11:2think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8 for now we really live, if you A1 Cor 16:13stand firm in the Lord. 9 For A1 Thess 1:2what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account, 10 as we A2 Tim 1:3night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may B1 Thess 2:17see your face, and may C2 Cor 13:9complete what is lacking in your faith?

11 A2 Thess 2:16Now may BGal 1:4; 1 Thess 3:13our God and Father C1 Thess 4:16; 5:23; 2 Thess 2:16; 3:16; Rev 21:3Himself and Jesus our Lord D2 Thess 3:5direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and APhil 1:9; 1 Thess 4:1, 10; 2 Thess 1:3abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may A1 Cor 1:8; 1 Thess 3:2establish your hearts BLuke 1:6without blame in holiness before CGal 1:4; 1 Thess 3:11our God and Father at the 1Or presenceD1 Thess 2:19coming of our Lord Jesus EMatt 25:31; Mark 8:38; 1 Thess 4:17; 2 Thess 1:7with all His 2Or holy onessaints.