Timothy’s Visit

1Wherefore, when no longer able to endure it, we were well pleased to be left behind at Athens alone, 2and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God in the Gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to exhort you concerning your faith; 3that no one should be shaken in these tribulations; for ye yourselves know that for this we are appointed. 4For even when we were with you, we told you beforehand, "We are about to suffer tribulation"; even as also it came to pass, and ye know. 5For this reason, I also, no longer enduring it, sent, that I might know your faith, lest by some means the tempter tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6But, Timothy having just now come to us from you, and having brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us at all times, longing to see us, as we also to see you? 7for this reason, brethren, we were comforted over you, in all our tribulation and distress, through your faith; 8because now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9For what thanksgiving can we render again to God concerning you for all the joy wherewith we rejoice on your account before our God; 10night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and perfect the deficiencies in your faith?

11Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you; 12and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love toward one another, and toward all, as we also do toward you, 13to the end that He may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.