Paul's Longing to See Them Again
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But since we were torn away from you, brothers, for a short time, x in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire y to see you face to face,
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because we wanted to come to you - I, Paul, again and again - but Satan z hindered us.
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For what is our hope or a joy or crown of boasting b before our Lord Jesus at his c coming? Is it not you?
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For you are our glory and joy.
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Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing d to be left behind at Athens alone,
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and we e sent Timothy, f our brother and God's coworker in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,
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that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that g we are destined for this.
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For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, h just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
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For this reason, i when I could bear it no longer, i I sent to learn about your faith, j for fear that somehow k the tempter had tempted you and l our labor would be in vain.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 5:3
For though absent in body, I am present in spirit; and as if present, I have already pronounced judgment on the one who did such a thing.
Colossians 2:5
For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:10
As we pray most earnestly night and day that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
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Cross References
Romans 15:22
This is the reason why I have so often been hindered from coming to you.
Romans 1:13
I want you to know, brothers, that I have often intended to come to you (but thus far have been prevented), in order that I may reap some harvest among you as well as among the rest of the Gentiles.
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Cross References
Philippians 4:1
Therefore, my brothers, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm thus in the Lord, my beloved.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 15:31
I protest, brothers, by my pride in you, which I have in Christ Jesus our Lord, I die every day!
2 Thessalonians 1:4
Therefore we ourselves boast about you in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.
2 Corinthians 1:14
Just as you did partially acknowledge us - that on the day of our Lord Jesus you will boast of us as we will boast of you.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:13
So that he may establish your hearts blameless ...
1 Thessalonians 4:15
For this we declare to you by a word from the L...
1 Thessalonians 5:23
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you c...
Matthew 24:3
As he sat on the Mount of Olives, the disciples...
1 Corinthians 15:23
But each in his own order: Christ the firstfrui...
2 Thessalonians 2:1
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Chr...
2 Thessalonians 2:8
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom...
James 5:7 - 8
Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the comi...
2 Peter 1:16
For we did not follow cleverly devised myths wh...
2 Peter 3:4
They will say, "Where is the promise of his com...
2 Peter 3:12
Waiting for and hastening the coming of the day...
1 John 2:28
And now, little children, abide in him, so that...
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Cross References
Acts 17:15 - 16
Those who conducted Paul brought him as far as Athens, and after receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they departed.
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Cross References
Philippians 2:19
I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy to you soon, so that I too may be cheered by news of you.
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Cross References
2 Corinthians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the church of God that is at Corinth, with all the saints who are in the whole of Achaia:
Colossians 1:1
Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God, and Timothy our brother.
Philemon 1:1
Paul, a prisoner for Christ Jesus, and Timothy our brother, To Philemon our beloved fellow worker
Hebrews 13:23
You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon.
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Cross References
Acts 9:16
For I will show him how much he must suffer for the sake of my name.
Acts 14:22
Strengthening the souls of the disciples, encouraging them to continue in the faith, and saying that through many tribulations we must enter the kingdom of God.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 2:14
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:1 - 2
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone.
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Cross References
1 Thessalonians 3:1 - 2
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone.
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Cross References
1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
2 Corinthians 11:3
But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ.
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Cross References
Matthew 4:3
And the tempter came and said to him, "If you are the Son of God, command these stones to become loaves of bread.
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Cross References
Philippians 2:16
Holding fast to the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I may be proud that I did not run in vain or labor in vain.
English Standard Version (ESV) The Holy Bible, English Standard Version Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers.