Forced Absence from Thessalonica

2:17 But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters,23 for a short time (in presence, not in affection)24 we became all the more fervent in our great desire25 to see you in person.26 2:18 For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again)27 but Satan thwarted us. 2:19 For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of28 before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you? 2:20 For you are our glory and joy!

3:1 So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens1 alone. 3:2 We2 sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God3 in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith, 3:3 so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. 3:4 For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.4 3:5 So5 when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter somehow tempted you and our toil had proven useless.

3:6 But now Timothy has come6 to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection7 and long to see us just as we also long to see you!8 3:7 So9 in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters,10 through your faith. 3:8 For now we are alive again,11 if you stand firm in the Lord. 3:9 For how can we thank God enough for you,12 for all the joy we feel13 because of you before our God? 3:10 We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person14 and make up what may be lacking in your faith.

3:11 Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. 3:12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you, 3:13 so that your hearts are strengthened in holiness to be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.15