1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:13

New International Version

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),^(A) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.^{(B) 18} For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan^(C) blocked our way.^{(D) 19} For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown^(E) in which we will glory^(F) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?^(G) Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory^(H) and joy.

3 So when we could stand it no longer,^(I) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.^{(J) 2} We sent Timothy,^(K) who is our brother and co-worker^(L) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(M) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(N) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^{(O) 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.^{(P) 5} For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,^(Q) I sent to find out about your faith.^(R) I was afraid that in some way the tempter^(S) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.^(T)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ But Timothy^(U) has just now come to us from you^(V) and has brought good news about your faith and love.^(W) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.^{(X) 7} Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ⁸ For now we really live, since you are standing firm^(Y) in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you^(Z) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?^{(AA) 10} Night and day we pray^(AB) most earnestly that we may see you again^(AC) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father^(AD) himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. ¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(AE) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(AF) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(AG) when our Lord Jesus comes^(AH) with all his holy ones.^(AI)