1Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, (Ac 17:15)2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker[1] in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, (2Co 1:1; Php 2:19; Col 1:1; Phm 1:1; Heb 13:23)3that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. (Ac 9:16; Ac 14:22)4For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. (1Th 2:14)5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain. (Mt 4:3; 1Co 7:5; 2Co 11:3; Php 2:16; 1Th 3:1)
Timothy’s Encouraging Report
6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— (Ac 18:5; 1Co 11:2; 2Co 7:6; 2Co 7:9; Php 1:8; 1Th 1:3)7for this reason, brothers,[2] in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. (2Co 1:4)8For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. (1Co 16:13)9For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, (1Th 1:2)10as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? (Ro 1:10; 2Co 13:9; 1Th 2:17; 2Ti 1:3)11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, (Ga 1:4; 2Th 3:5)12and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, (Php 1:9; 1Th 4:1; 1Th 4:9; 1Th 4:10; 1Th 5:15; 2Th 1:3)13so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. (Zec 14:5; 1Th 2:19; 1Th 3:11; Jas 5:8; Jud 1:14)
1 Thessalonians 3
King James Version
1Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;2And sent Timotheus, our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you concerning your faith:3That no man should be moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.4For verily, when we were with you, we told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.5For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.6But now when Timotheus came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:7Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress by your faith:8For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.9For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;10Night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and might perfect that which is lacking in your faith?11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.12And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you:13To the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.