3 Therefore, since we could endure it no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens alone;
2 and have sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God and our fellow laborer in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you regarding your faith;
3 so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
4 For truly we told you before (when we were with you) that we would suffer tribulations even as it happened. And you know it.
5 For this reason, when I could no longer bear it, I sent him. So that I might know of your faith, lest the tempter had tempted you in any way and that our labor had been in vain.
6 But now, lately, when Timothy came from you to us and brought us good tidings of your faith and love (and that you have good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us, as we also you),
7 therefore brothers, in all our affliction and necessity, we were encouraged by you through your faith.
8 For now if you stand fast in the Lord, we are alive!
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you - for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God,
10 night and day, praying exceedingly – so that we might see your face and accomplish that which is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may God himself - even our Father - and our Lord Jesus Christ, guide our journey to you.
12 And the Lord increase you and make you abound in love toward one another, and toward all, even as we do toward you;
13 to make your hearts stable and unblameable in holiness before God, and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.