1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:5

New International Version

¹³ And we also thank God continually^(A) because, when you received the word of God,^(B) which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators^(C) of God’s churches in Judea,^(D) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people^(E) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus^(F) and the prophets^(G) and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles^(H) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.^(I) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.^[a]

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),^(J) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.^{(K) 18} For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan^(L) blocked our way.^{(M) 19} For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown^(N) in which we will glory^(O) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?^(P) Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory^(Q) and joy.

3 So when we could stand it no longer,^(R) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.^{(S) 2} We sent Timothy,^(T) who is our brother and co-worker^(U) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(V) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(W) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^{(X) 4} In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.^{(Y) 5} For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,^(Z) I sent to find out about your faith.^(AA) I was afraid that in some way the tempter^(AB) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.^(AC)