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

Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone,

2 A nd 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.

and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith,

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

that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

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

For, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know.

5 F or 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.

For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor might be in vain. Encouraged by Timothy

6 B ut 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.

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, as we also to see you—

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

therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress we were comforted concerning you by your faith.

8 I t is life to us to know that your faith in the Lord is strong.

For now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

9 H ow can we give God enough thanks for you for all the joy you give us?

For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God,

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

night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and perfect what is lacking in your faith? Prayer for the Church

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

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you.

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

And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you,

13 M ay 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.

so that He may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all His saints.