We never sought praise from men, either from you or anyone else, though as Christ's apostles we might have stood on our dignity.

That was the kind of affection we had for you, which made us ready to share with you not only God's good news but our own lives too, because you were so dear to us.

So when I could not bear it any longer, I made up my mind to stay behind alone at Athens,

That was why, when I could not bear it any longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for I was afraid that the tempter might have tempted you and all our labor might be lost.

then those of us who are still living will be caught up with them on clouds into the air to meet the Lord, and so we shall be with the Lord forever.