1 T herefore, when became intolerable, we consented to being left behind alone at Athens.

When we could wait no longer, we decided it was best to stay in the city of Athens alone.

2 A nd we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s servant in the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, to strengthen and establish and to exhort and comfort and encourage you in your faith,

And we sent Timothy to you. He works with us for God, teaching the Good News of Christ. We sent him to give strength and comfort to your faith.

3 T hat no one should be disturbed and beguiled and led astray by these afflictions and difficulties. For you yourselves know that this is our appointed lot.

We do not want anyone to give up because of troubles. You know that we can expect troubles.

4 F or even when we were with you, we warned you plainly beforehand that we were to be pressed with difficulties and made to suffer affliction, just as to your own knowledge it has happened.

Even when we were with you, we told you that much trouble would come to us. It has come as you can see.

5 T hat is the reason that, when I could bear no longer, I sent that I might learn your faith, lest somehow the tempter had tempted you and our toil be fruitless and to no purpose.

For this reason, I could wait no longer. I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I was afraid the devil had tempted you. Then our work with you would be wasted.

6 B ut now that Timothy has just come back to us from you and has brought us the good news of your faith and love, and how kindly you cherish a constant and affectionate remembrance of us longing to see us as we you,

But Timothy has come to us from you. He brought good news about your faith and love. It is good to know that you think well of us and that you would like to see us. We would like to see you also.

7 B rethren, for this reason, in our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort and cheer about you your faith ( the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence).

Christian brothers, word about your faith has made us happy even while we are suffering and are in much trouble.

8 B ecause now we live, if you stand in the Lord.

It is life to us to know that your faith in the Lord is strong.

9 F or what thanksgiving can we render to God for you for all the gladness and delight which we enjoy for your sakes before our God?

How can we give God enough thanks for you for all the joy you give us?

10 c ontinue to pray especially and with most intense earnestness night and day that we may see you face to face and mend and make good whatever may be imperfect and lacking in your faith.

We keep on praying night and day that we may see you again. We want to help your faith to be complete.

11 N ow may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) guide our steps to you.

May our God and Father Himself and the Lord Jesus Christ take us on our way to you.

12 A nd may the Lord make you to increase and excel and overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you,

May the Lord make you grow in love for each other and for everyone. We have this kind of love for you.

13 S o that He may strengthen and confirm and establish your hearts faultlessly pure and unblamable in holiness in the sight of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah) with all His saints (the holy and glorified people of God)! Amen, (so be it)!

May our God and Father make your hearts strong and without blame. May your hearts be without sin in God’s sight when our Lord Jesus comes again with all those who belong to Him.