Paul’s Concern and Timothy’s Mission

1. Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left behind in Athens alone,
2. and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to encourage you concerning your faith,
3. so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed for this.
4. For even when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we are about to be afflicted, just as also it happened and you know.
5. For this reason also, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labour should become empty.

Timothy’s Report of Faith and Love

6. But now Timothy, having come to us from you, and having brought good news to us of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, longing to see us just as also we to see you,
7. because of this we were comforted about you, brethren, in all our distress and affliction, through your faith;
8. because now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
9. For what thanks are we able to give to God concerning you, for all the joy with which we are rejoicing because of you before our God,
10. night and day praying exceedingly to see your face and to complete the things lacking in your faith?

Paul’s Prayer for Their Growth

11. Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you;
12. and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as also we do for you,
13. so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His holy ones.