1 Therefore, when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we thought it good
to be left behind at Athens alone, 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and
God’s servant in the Good News of Christ, to establish you, and to comfort you
concerning your faith; 3 that no one be moved by these afflictions. For
you know that we are appointed to this task. 4 For most certainly,
when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer
affliction, even as it happened, and you know. 5 For this cause I
also, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith,
for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would
have been in vain. 6 But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and
brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good
memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you;
7 for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress
and affliction through your faith. 8 For now we live, if you stand
fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for
you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;
10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may
perfect that which is lacking in your faith? 11 Now may our God and Father
himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you; 12 and the Lord
make you to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all
men, even as we also do toward you, 13 to the end he may establish your
hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our
Lord Jesus with all his saints.
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