1So when we could not wait any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone.
2We sent Timotheus, our brother, and a servant of God, and our fellow worker in the gospel of Christ. We sent him to strengthen you and to encourage you about your faith,
3so that no one would be shaken by these troubles. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
4When we were with you, we told you beforehand that we would suffer trouble. And that is just what happened, as you know.
5That is why, when I could not wait any longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that the tempter had somehow tempted you, and that our work would be for nothing.
6But now Timotheus has come back to us from you, and he has brought us good news about your faith and love. He says that you always remember us kindly, and long to see us, just as we long to see you.
7So, brothers and sisters, in all our trouble and distress we were comforted about you by your faith.
8For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
9What thanks can we give back to God for you? We have so much joy because of you before our God.
10Night and day we pray with all our heart that we may see your face, and may supply what is lacking in your faith.
11Now may God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ open the way for us to come to you.
12And may the Lord make your love grow and overflow toward one another, and toward all people, just as our love does toward you.
13May he make your hearts strong, so that you are without blame in holiness before God, our Father, when our Lord Jesus Christ comes with all his saints.