Paul's Longing, Timothy's Mission, and Concern for the Church
1 Thessalonians 2:17-3:5
2
Chapter 2
17But we, brothers, having been orphaned from you for a short time, in person not heart, strove more exceedingly to see your face with much desire.18because we desired to come to you—I, Paul, both once and twice—and Satan hindered us.19For who is our hope or joy or crown of boasting—is it not even you?—before our Lord Jesus at his Parousia?20For you are our glory and joy.
3
Chapter 3
1Therefore, no longer enduring it, we decided to be left behind in Athens alone,2and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker of God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen you and encourage you for your faith.3that no one be shaken in these tribulations. For you yourselves know that for this we are appointed.4For even when we were with you, we were telling you beforehand that we were about to be troubled, just as it also happened, and you know.5For this reason, I also, no longer enduring it, sent to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter tempted you and our labor became empty.