1 Therefore when we could bear no longer, we thought good to be left at Athens alone, 2 And sent Timotheus our brother and minister of God and our fellow-worker in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith, 3 That no one might be moved by these afflictions; for ye know that we are appointed hereto. 4 For when we were with you we told you before, we should be afflicted; as it came to pass, and ye know. 5 Therefore when I could bear no longer, I sent to know your faith, left by any means the tempter should have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.
6 But now when Timotheus was come to us from you, and had brought us the good tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, as we also to see you: 7 Therefore, brethren, we were comforted over you, in, all our affliction and distress by your faith. 8 For now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy wherewith we rejoice for your sake before our God? 10 Night and day praying exceedingly, that we may see your face, and perfect that which is wanting in your faith.
11 Now our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way unto you. 12 And the Lord make you to increase and abound in love towards one another and towards all men, as we also do towards you, 13 That he may establish your hearts unblameable in holiness (before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ) with all his saints.