THE FIRST EPISTLE
OF
PAUL THE APOSTLE
TO THE
THESSALONIANS

1 Thessalonians 3 ©

1 The apostle declares that he, being troubled for them, had sent Timothy to confirm them in the faith. 3 And to comfort them in the tribulations whereunto the faithful are appointed. 6 Yet that he was very joyful by the coming again of Timothy, understanding their steadfastness and welfare. 9 For which he thanks God, and prays that for the perfecting of their faith he may get opportunity from God to come again unto them. 12 And concludes this chapter and first part of the epistle with an earnest prayer to God, that they may be abundant in love and sanctification, against the coming of Christ with all His saints.

1

WHEREFORE when we could no longer 1forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

2

And sent Timotheus,a our brother, and minister of God, and our fellowlabourer 2in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you 3concerning your faith:

3

Thatb no man should be 4moved by these afflictions: for yourselves know thatc we are 5appointed 6thereunto.

4

For verily, when we were with you, we 7told you before that we should suffer tribulation; even as it came to pass, and ye know.

5

For this cause, when I could no longer 8forbear, I 9sent to know your faith, lest by some means 10the tempter have tempted you, and 11our labour be in 12vain.

6

But now when Timotheus 13came from you unto us, and brought us good tidings 14of your faith and charity, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you:

7

Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our affliction and distress 15by your faith:

8

For now we 16live, if ye stand 17fast in the Lord.

9

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes 18before our God;

10

Nightd and day praying exceedingly that we might see 19your face, and might 20perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

11

Now God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

12

And the Lord make you to 21increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as 22we do toward you:

13

Toe the end he may stablish your hearts unblameable in holiness before God, even our Father, 23at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all 24his saints.