1 Therefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone;

2 and sent Timothy, our brother and coworker under God in the good news of Christ, to establish you{+}, and to comfort [you{+}] concerning your{+} faith;

3 that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.

4 For truly, when we were with you{+}, we told you{+} beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, and you{+} know.

5 For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your{+} faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you{+}, and our labor should be in vain.

6 But when Timothy came even now to us from you{+}, and brought us good news about your{+} faith and love, and that you{+} have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, even as we also [to see] you{+};

7 for this cause, 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 again to God for you{+}, for all the joy with which we joy for your{+} sakes before our God;

10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your{+} face, and may provide that which is lacking in your{+} faith?

11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you{+}:

12 and the Lord make you{+} to increase and abound in love one toward another, and toward all men, even as we also [do] toward you{+};

13 to the end he may establish your{+} hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.