Dual Panel1Therefore [when we] could bear [it] no longer, we determined to be left behind in Athens alone,
2and we sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ, in order to strengthen and to encourage you about your faith,
3[so that] no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For [you] yourselves know that we are appointed for this,
4for indeed when we were with you we told you beforehand that we were about to be afflicted, just as indeed it happened, and you know.
5Because of this, I also, [when I] could endure [it] no longer, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter tempted you and our labor should be in vain.
6But now, [because] Timothy has come to us from you and has brought good news to us of your faith and love, and that _you always think kindly of us_ , desiring to see us just as also we [desire to see] you,
7because of this, brothers, we have been comforted because of you in all our distress and affliction through your faith,
8because now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
9For what thanks can we repay to God concerning you, because of all the joy [with] which we rejoice because of you before our God,
10night and day praying beyond all measure that [we] may see your face and complete what is lacking in your faith?
11Now [may] our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you,
12and [may] the Lord [cause] you to increase and to abound in love for one another and for all, just as also we [do] for you,
13so that your hearts may be established blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints. Amen.