1Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone,
2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith,
3so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
4For indeed, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were about to suffer affliction, just as it also happened, and as you know.
5For this reason I too, when I could bear it no longer, sent to find out about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor might have been in vain.
6But now that Timothy has come to us from you and brought us the good news of your faith and love, and that you always have a good remembrance of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you—
7for this reason, brothers, we were encouraged about you, in all our distress and affliction, through your faith,
8because now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
9For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God,
10as night and day we pray with utmost earnestness to see your face and to supply what is lacking in your faith?
11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you;
12and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we also do for you,
13so that he may strengthen your hearts to be blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.
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