1 Thessalonians 3

Paul sent Timothy to Thessalonica

So when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left alone at Athens, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and servant of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 that no one would be upset by these troubles. For you know that we are appointed to this. 4 For in fact, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we would experience tribulation – even as it came about, as you know.

3:4 Paul knew from the Word of God and from his personal experience what would happen, and he plainly told them so. When speaking of the blessings of the gospel he did not fail to speak also of the troubles that would come to believers. Compare Acts 20:20, 27.⚜

5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to find out about your faith, fearing that perhaps by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labour might be in vain.

6 But now Timothy has come from you to us, and brought us good news about your faith and love, and reported that you always have good memories of us, and greatly desire to see us, even as we desire to see you.

Paul’s encouragement and desire to visit them

7 So, brethren, we were encouraged about you in all our trouble and distress, because of your faith. 8 For now we live, since you stand firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we offer to God again for you, for all the joy we experience for your sakes in the presence of our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face, and fill up that which is lacking in your faith?

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

Paul’s prayer for them

12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love toward each other, and toward all men, just as we do toward you, 13 to the end that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness in the presence of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.