1 Thessalonians 2:14-3:8

English Standard Version

¹⁴ For you, brothers, ^(A)became imitators of ^(B)the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For ^(C)you suffered the same things from your own countrymen ^(D)as they did from the Jews,^{[a] 15 (E)}who killed both the Lord Jesus and ^(F)the prophets, and drove us out, and displease God and ^(G)oppose all mankind ^16 (H)by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved—so as always ^(I)to fill up the measure of their sins. But ^(J)wrath has come upon them at last!^[b]

Paul's Longing to See Them Again

¹⁷ But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, ^(K)in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire ^(L)to see you face to face, ¹⁸ because we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan ^(M)hindered us. ¹⁹ For what is our hope or ^(N)joy or crown of boasting ^(O)before our Lord Jesus at his ^(P)coming? Is it not you? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

3 Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing ^(Q)to be left behind at Athens alone, ² and we ^(R)sent Timothy, ^(S)our brother and God's coworker^[c] in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, ³ that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that ^(T)we are destined for this. ⁴ For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, ^(U)just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. ⁵ For this reason, ^(V)when I could bear it no longer, ^(W)I sent to learn about your faith, ^(X)for fear that somehow ^(Y)the tempter had tempted you and ^(Z)our labor would be in vain.

Timothy's Encouraging Report

⁶ But ^(AA)now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of ^(AB)your faith and love and reported ^(AC)that you always remember us kindly and ^(AD)long to see us, as we long to see you— ⁷ for this reason, brothers,^[d] in all our distress and affliction ^(AE)we have been comforted about you through your faith. ⁸ For now we live, if you ^(AF)are standing fast in the Lord.