1 W herefore no longer forbearing, we thought good to be left 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 did send Timotheus -- our brother, and a ministrant of God, and our fellow-workman in the good news of the Christ -- to establish you, and to comfort you concerning 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 be moved in these tribulations, for yourselves have known that for this we are set,

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 said to you beforehand, that we are about to suffer tribulation, as also it did come to pass, and ye have known;

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

5 b ecause of this also, I, no longer forbearing, did send to know your faith, lest he who is tempting did tempt you, and in vain might be our labour.

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 A nd now Timotheus having come unto us from you, and having declared good news to us of your faith and love, and that ye have a good remembrance of us always, desiring much to see us, as we also 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 ecause of this we were comforted, brethren, over you, in all our tribulation and necessity, through your faith,

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 ye may 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 are we able to recompense to God for you, for all the joy with which we do joy because of you in the presence of our God?

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

10 n ight and day exceedingly beseeching, that we might see your face, and perfect the things 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 A nd our God and Father Himself, 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 you the Lord cause to increase and to abound in the love to one another, and to all, even as we also to 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 o the establishing your hearts blameless in sanctification before our God and Father, in the presence 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.