He tells them how greatly he was moved with joy when Timothy told him of their faith and love.
3 Therefore, since we could bear it no longer, it pleased us to remain at Athens alone, 2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our labour-fellow in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to comfort you over your faith, 3 so that no one would be shaken in these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are even appointed to this. 4 For indeed, when I was with you, I warned that we would suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass and as you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer bear it, I sent to find out about your faith, lest perhaps the tempter had tempted you, and our labour had been bestowed in vain.
6 But now lately Timothy has come from you to us, and told us about your faith and your love, and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we desire to see you. 7 Therefore, brethren, we had consolation in you, in all our adversity and need, through your faith. 8 For now we are alive, if you stand steadfast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks we can render to God for you, for all the joy that we have on your account before our God, 10 while we pray very much night and day that we might see you personally, and might make up that which is lacking in your faith.
11 May God himself our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ guide our journey to you. 12 And may the Lord prosper you, and make you flow over in love toward one another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you, 13 to make your hearts constant and unblameable in holiness before God our Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.