tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8382259676216670054.post-29787844450561232432008-07-16T06:00:00.000-07:002008-07-16T06:00:01.363-07:00<div class="esv-text"><p><span class="chapter-num" id="v52003001-1">3:1 </span>Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone, <span class="verse-num" id="v52003002-1">2 </span>and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's coworker<span class="footnote"> <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Thessalonians+3#f1" id="b1" title="Some manuscripts 'servant'">[1]</a></span> in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith, <span class="verse-num" id="v52003003-1">3 </span>that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. <span class="verse-num" id="v52003004-1">4 </span>For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, just as it has come to pass, and just as you know. <span class="verse-num" id="v52003005-1">5 </span>For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.</p> <p><span class="verse-num" id="v52003006-1">6 </span>But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, as we long to see you— <span class="verse-num" id="v52003007-1">7 </span>for this reason, brothers,<span class="footnote"> <a href="http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/search/?q=1+Thessalonians+3#f2" id="b2" title="Or 'brothers and sisters'">[2]</a></span> in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith. <span class="verse-num" id="v52003008-1">8 </span>For now we live, if you are standing fast in the Lord. <span class="verse-num" id="v52003009-1">9 </span>For what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God, <span class="verse-num" id="v52003010-1">10 </span>as we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?</p> <p><span class="verse-num" id="v52003011-1">11 </span>Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you, <span class="verse-num" id="v52003012-1">12 </span>and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you, <span class="verse-num" id="v52003013-1">13 </span>so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.</p> </div> <h3><br /></h3>Brian Colmerynoreply@blogger.com