MSB 1 TH Chapter 3

Timothy’s Visit

3 So [when] we could bear [it] no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens. 2 We sent Timothy, our brother and minister for God, and our fellow worker[fn] in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that none [of you] would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this. 4 Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass. 5 For this reason, [when] I could bear [it] no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, [for fear that] the tempter had somehow tempted you and [caused] our labor to be in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6 But just now, Timothy has returned from [ his visit] with the good news about your faith, [your] love, and [the] fond memories you have preserved, longing to see us just as we [long to see] you. 7 For this reason, brothers, in all our persecution and distress,[fn] we have been reassured about you, because of your faith. 8 For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in [the] Lord.

9 How can we [adequately] thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in [His] presence? 10 Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking from your faith.

11 Now {may} our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ,[fn] direct our way to you. 12 And {may} the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone [else], just as our [love] for you [overflows], 13 so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness [and] holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.[fn]