1 ¶ Therefore when we could wait no longer, we agreed to remain in Athens alone

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

2 a nd sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of the Christ, to confirm you and to exhort 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 moved in these tribulations, for you know that we are appointed for this.

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 told you in advance that we must pass through tribulations, even as it has come to pass, and ye know.

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

5 F or this cause I, also, not waiting any longer, have sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter has tempted you and our labour is in vain.

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 ¶ But now when Timothy came from you unto us and brought us good tidings of your faith and charity and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see 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 T herefore, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our tribulation and need by your faith;

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

8 f or now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord.

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

9 F or what thanks can we render to God again for you for all the joy with which we joy for your sakes before our God,

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

10 n ight and day praying exceedingly that we might see your face and might complete that which is 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 ¶ Now may God himself and our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way unto you.

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

12 A nd the Lord make you to multiply and make charity to abound among you and toward all men, even as it is with us toward you,

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

13 t hat your hearts may be confirmed in holiness, irreprehensible before God, even our Father, for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his saints.

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.