Timothy’s Good Report

1Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we were pleased to be left behind at Athens alone, 2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith, 3so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions, for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this. 4For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction, just as it happened and as you know. 5For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to know about your faith, lest somehow the tempter has tempted you, and our labor be in vain.

6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always remember us kindly, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; 8for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. 9For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you, 10as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?

11Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you, 12and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you, 13so that He may strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness, before our God and Father, at the [†]coming of our Lord Jesus with all His [†]saints.