Timothy’s Visit
1 Therefore when we could not 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 Gospel of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith 3 so that none of you would 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 would suffer affliction, which you know has happened. 5 For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to know where you stood with your faith, for fear that, by some means, the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.
Timothy’s Encouraging Report
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, just as we also long to see you; 7 for this reason, 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 back to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake 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 May the Lord make you increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, just 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.