Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought good to be left behind at Athens alone,
and sent Timothy our brother and work-fellow under God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage concerning your faith,
that no one might be moved by these afflictions. For yourselves know that for this we are set.
For even when we were with you we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it came to pass, and ye know.
On this account I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest perhaps the tempter had tempted you and our labour should be in vain.
But when Timothy came just now unto us from you and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us even as we also [to see] you:
on this account we were comforted by you, brethren, in all our distress and tribulation through your faith;
because now we live if ye stand fast in [the] Lord.
For what thanksgiving can we render again to God for you for all the joy wherewith we rejoice on your account before our God,
night and day beseeching exceedingly that we may see your face, and perfect what is lacking in your faith?
Now our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus direct our way unto you;
and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another and toward all, even as we also toward you;
in order to establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.