Timothy’s Visit

1Because of this, willing to wait no longer, it was pleasing to us to remain at Athens, alone. 2And we sent Timothy, our brother and a minister of God in the Gospel of Christ, to confirm you and to exhort you, on behalf of your faith, 3so that no one would be disturbed during these tribulations. For you yourselves know that we have been appointed to this. 4For even while we were with you, we predicted to you that we would suffer tribulations, even as it has happened, and as you know. 5For this reason also, I was not willing to wait any longer, and I sent to find out about your faith, lest perhaps he who tempts may have tempted you, and our labor might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6But then, when Timothy arrived to us from you, he reported to us your faith and charity, and that you keep a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us, just as we likewise desire to see you. 7As a result, we were consoled in you, brothers, in the midst of all our difficulties and tribulations, through your faith. 8For we now live so that you may stand firm in the Lord. 9For what thanks would we be able to repay to God because of you, for all the joy with which we rejoice over you before our God? 10For night and day, ever more abundantly, we are praying that we may see your face, and that we may complete those things that are lacking in your faith.

11But may God our Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you. 12And may the Lord multiply you, and make you abound in your charity toward one another and toward all, just as we also do toward you, 13in order to confirm your hearts without blame, in sanctity, before God our Father, unto the return of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen.