1 ¶ Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we thought it best to remain at Athens alone;

2 And sent Timothy, our brother, God’s servant, and our coworker in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith:

3 So that no one would be shaken by these trials: for you yourselves know that we are bound to encounter persecution.

4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to suffer persecution; and you know that is just what happened.

5 That is why, when I could no longer stand it, I sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter may have in some way enticed you, and our work was in vain.

6 ¶ But now that Timothy has returned to us from you, bringing us good news about your faith and love, and telling us that you always think kindly of us, and long to see us, as we also long to see you:

7 We have been encouraged about you Brethren because of your faith in spite of all our distress and persecution:

8 Seeing that we now live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

9 For how can we thank God enough for you, for all the joy we have in the presence of God because of you;

10 Meanwhile we earnestly pray night and day that we might see you in person, and might supply whatever may be lacking in your faith?

11 ¶ Now may he, our God and Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.

12 And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all men, just as we also do for you:

13 So that he may establish your hearts as blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.