1 Thessalonians

Timothy’s Visit

1So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens.

2We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for Godin the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

3so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you know that we are destined for this.

4Indeed, when we were with you, we kept warning you that we would suffer persecution; and as you know, it has come to pass.

5For 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 that our labor might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6But 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.

7For this reason, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you, because of your faith.

8For now we can go on living, as long as you are standing firm in the Lord.

9How can we adequately thank God for you in return for our great joy over you in His presence?

10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith.

11Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.

12And 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,

13so that He may establish your hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints. Amen.

1For which cause, forbearing no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens alone:

2And we sent Timothy, our brother, and the minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and exhort you concerning your faith:

3That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know, that we are appointed thereunto.

4For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations, as also it is come to pass, and you know.

5For this cause also, I, forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth should have tempted you, and our labour should be made vain.

6But now when Timothy came to us from you, and related to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we also to see you;

7Therefore we were comforted, brethren, in you, in all our necessity and tribulation, by your faith,

8Because now we live, if you stand in the Lord.

9For what thanks can we return to God for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our God,

10Night and day more abundantly praying that we may see your face, and may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith?

11Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

12And may the Lord multiply you, and make you abound in charity towards one another, and towards all men: as we do also towards you,

13To confirm your hearts without blame, in holiness, before God and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen.