| 3:1 | AND so when the separation became intolerable, we thought the best plan was for us to stay at Athens alone, |
| 3:2 | while we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellowworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith. |
| 3:3 | We did not want any of you to lose heart at the troubles you were going through, but to realize that we must expect such things. |
| 3:4 | Actually we did warn you what to expect, when we were with you, and our words have come true, as you know. |
| 3:5 | You will understand that, when the suspense became unbearable, I sent to find out how your faith was standing the strain, and to make sure that the tempter's activities had not destroyed our work. |
| 3:6 | Timothy has just come straight from you to us, with a glowing account of your faith and love, and definite news that you cherish happy memories of us and long to see us as much as we to see you. |
| 3:7 | This has cheered us, my brothers, in all the miseries and troubles we ourselves are going through. |
| 3:8 | To know that you are standing fast in the Lord is indeed a breath of life to us. |
| 3:9 | How can we thank our God enough for you, and for all the joy you have brought in the presence of our God, |
| 3:10 | as we pray earnestly day and night to see you face to face again, and to complete whatever is imperfect in your faith? |
| 3:11 | So may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus guide our steps to you. |
| 3:12 | May the Lord give you the same increasing and overflowing love for each other and towards all men as we have towards you. |
| 3:13 | May he establish you, holy and blameless in heart and soul, before God, the Father of us all, when our Lord Jesus comes with all who belong to him. |
1 Tesalonika 3 - Philips NT in Modern English
