1Th 3 | Mont | STEP | And so, when I could no longer bear it, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens, all alone.

‏ 1 Thessalonians 3

1 And so, when I could no longer bear it, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens, all alone. 2 I sent Timothy, my brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to hearten you in your faith. 3 So that no one should be shaken by these troubles-for you know well that we are appointed to troubles. 4 For even when I was with you I used to tell you beforehand that I was to suffer affliction; and so it proved, as you know. 5 So, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that my labor had been in vain.

6 But now that Timothy has returned from you to me, and has brought good news of your faith and love, and that you are still holding me in affectionate remembrance, always longing to see me as I also am longing to see you. 7 I have been comforted, my brothers, in regard to you, in spite of all my distress and affliction over your faith. 8 For now I am really living, if you are standing firm in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can I render again to God in your behalf, in return for all the joy which you cause me in the presence of my God? 10 Night and day I am praying earnestly that I may see you face to face, and may perfect whatever is yet lacking in your faith.

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct my path to you. 12 Meanwhile, may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, even as I do toward you. 13 And so may he establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus, with all his saints.