1
Therefore when we could bear it no longer, we were willing 1to be left behind at Athens alone,
2
and we 2sent Timothy, 3our brother and God's coworkera in the gospel of Christ, to establish and exhort you in your faith,
3
that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that 4we are destined for this.
4
For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, 5just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.
5
For this reason, 6when I could bear it no longer, 7I sent to learn about your faith, 8for fear that somehow 9the tempter had tempted you and 10our labor would be in vain.
Timothy's Encouraging Report
6
But 11now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of 12your faith and love and reported 13that you always remember us kindly and 14long to see us, as we long to see you--
7
for this reason, brothers,b in all our distress and affliction 15we have been comforted about you through your faith.
8
For now we live, if you 16are standing fast in the Lord.
9
For 17what thanksgiving can we return to God for you, for all the joy that we feel for your sake before our God,
10
as we pray most earnestly 18night and day 19that we may see you face to face and 20supply what is lacking in your faith?
The English Standard Version is published with the permission of Good News Publishers.
(English Standard Version - The Holy Bible Online)