1 Thessalonians 2:16-3:3

New King James Version

^16 (A)forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always ^(B)to fill up the measure of their sins; ^(C)but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

Longing to See Them

¹⁷ But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time ^(D)in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. ¹⁸ Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but ^(E)Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For ^(F)what is our hope, or joy, or ^(G)crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the ^(H)presence of our Lord Jesus Christ ^(I)at His coming? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.

Concern for Their Faith

3 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, ² and sent ^(J)Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, ^3 (K)that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that ^(L)we are appointed to this.