Dual Panel1THEREFORE, WHEN [the suspense of separation and our yearning for some personal communication from you] became intolerable, we consented to being left behind alone at Athens.
2And we sent Timothy, our brother and God's servant in [spreading] the good news (the Gospel) of Christ, to strengthen {and} establish and to exhort {and} comfort {and} encourage you in your faith,
3That no one [of you] should be disturbed {and} beguiled {and} led astray by these afflictions {and} difficulties [to which I have referred]. For you yourselves know that this is [unavoidable in our position, and must be recognized as] our appointed lot.
4For even when we were with you, [you know] we warned you plainly beforehand that we were to be pressed with difficulties {and} made to suffer affliction, just as to your own knowledge it has [since] happened.
5That is the reason that, when I could bear [the suspense] no longer, I sent that I might learn [how you were standing the strain, and the endurance of] your faith, [for I was fearful] lest somehow the tempter had tempted you and our toil [among you should prove to] be fruitless {and} to no purpose.
6But now that Timothy has just come back to us from [his visit to] you and has brought us the good news of [the steadfastness of] your faith and [the warmth of your] love, and [reported] how kindly you cherish a constant {and} affectionate remembrance of us [and that you are] longing to see us as we [are to see] you,
7Brethren, for this reason, in [spite of all] our stress and crushing difficulties we have been filled with comfort {and} cheer about you [because of] your faith (the leaning of your whole personality on God in complete trust and confidence).
8Because now we [really] live, if you stand [firm] in the Lord.
9For what [adequate] thanksgiving can we render to God for you for all the gladness {and} delight which we enjoy for your sakes before our God?
10[And we] continue to pray especially {and} with most intense earnestness night and day that we may see you face to face and mend {and} make good whatever may be imperfect {and} lacking in your faith.
11Now may our God and Father Himself and our Lord Jesus {Christ (the Messiah)} guide our steps to you.
12And may the Lord make you to increase and excel {and} overflow in love for one another and for all people, just as we also do for you,
13So that He may strengthen {and} confirm {and} establish your hearts faultlessly pure {and} unblamable in holiness in the sight of our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus {Christ (the Messiah)} with all His saints (the holy and glorified people of God)! {Amen, (so be it)!}