1Therefore, when we couldn't bear it any longer, we decided it was best for us to be left alone in Athens.
2So we sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in the Good News of Christ, to strengthen and comfort you in your faith,
3so that no one would be shaken by these troubles. For you know that we are destined for these things.
4We told you beforehand when we were with you that we would definitely suffer trouble, and as you know, it happened just that way.
5That’s why, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, I sent someone to find out about your faith. I was afraid that the tempter might have tested you, and then all our hard work would have been for nothing.
6But Timothy just returned to us from you, bringing good news about your faith and love. He told us that you always remember us fondly and long to see us, just as we long to see you.
7So, brothers and sisters, because of your faith, we were comforted about you in all our distress and trouble.
8Now we truly live, since you are standing firm in the Lord.
9What thanks can we possibly give to God for you, for all the joy we feel because of you in the presence of our God?
10Night and day we pray very earnestly that we may see you personally and complete whatever is still missing in your faith.
11Now may God our Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, guide our way to you.
12May the Lord make your love for each other and for everyone else grow and overflow, just like our love for you.
13This is so that he may make your hearts strong, blameless in holiness before our God and Father, when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy people.