1 Thessalonians 3:1-9

1So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind alone in Athens.

2We sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the Good News of Messiah, in order to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,

3so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know we are destined for this.

4For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer persecution— just as has happened, as you know.

5For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faithfulness, for fear that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be in vain.

6But now that Timothy has come to us from you and brought us the good news of your faithfulness and love, and that you always have good memories of us, longing to see us just as we long to see you—

7because of this, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and trouble, we were comforted about you by your faithfulness.

8For now we live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.

9For what thanks would be enough to offer to God, in return for all the joy we feel before our God because of you?