Now I beseech you, brethren, for the Lord Jesus Christ's sake, and for the love of the Spirit, that you strive together with me in your prayers to God for me;

For God is my witness, how greatly I long after you all in the affections of Jesus Christ.

For he longed after you all, and was full of heaviness, because you had heard that he had been sick.

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

Therefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

Being

Serving the Lord with all humility of mind, and with many tears, and temptations, which befell me by the lying in wait of the Jews:

For the Lamb who is in the midst of the throne shall feed them, and shall lead them unto living fountains of waters: and God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes.

And God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain: for the former things are passed away.

Filled

They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.

To provide for them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the LORD, that he might be glorified.

Then shall the virgin rejoice in the dance, both young men and old together: for I will turn their mourning into joy, and will comfort them, and make them rejoice from their sorrow.

And you now therefore have sorrow: but I will see you again, and your heart shall rejoice, and your joy no man takes from you.

And these things write we unto you, that your joy may be full.

General references

Do your diligence to come shortly unto me: