1 When we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens.

2 So we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the good news of Christ. He came to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith.

3 We do not want anyone to be discouraged by these troubles. You know we were bound to suffer persecution.

4 When we were with you, we told you that we would suffer tribulation and affliction. It happened, as you know.

5 For this cause, when I could no longer bear it, I inquired about your faith. I feared that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.

6 Timothy came from you to us, and brought us good news about your faith and love. We want you to have good memories of us always, and that you desire to see us just as we also desire to see you.

7 Brothers, your faith has comforted us. In all our trouble and suffering we are encouraged.

8 Now we live, if you persevere stand fast in the Lord.

9 What thanks can we render to God for you and for all the joy we have for your sakes before our God?

10 Night and day we pray exceedingly that we might see you in person, and might perfect restorerepair that which is lacking in your faith.

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

12 And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we do toward you.

13 May he resolutely strengthen your hearts without blame in holiness before God, our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his holy ones.