1Therefore, when we could no longer bear it, we thought it was good to be left behind at Athens alone.

2We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and comfort you regarding your faith. ²

3We did this so that no one would be shaken by these sufferings. For yourselves know that for this we have been appointed.

4Truly, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were about to suffer affliction, and that happened, as you know.

5For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I sent that I might know about your faith. Perhaps the tempter had somehow tempted you, and our labor was in vain.

6But Timothy came to us from you and brought us the good news of your faith and love. He told us that you always have good memories of us, and that you long to see us just as we also long to see you.

7Because of this, brothers, we were comforted by you because of your faith, in all our distress and affliction.

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

9For what thanks can we give to God for you, for all the joy that we have before our God over you?

10Night and day we pray very hard that we may see your face and provide what is lacking in your faith.

11May our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.

12May the Lord make you increase and abound in love one for another and toward all people, as we also do for you.

13May he strengthen your hearts, so that they will be blameless in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.