for you have started, my brothers, to copy the churches of God in Christ Jesus throughout Judaea; you have suffered from your compatriots just as they have suffered from the Jews,

So, unable to bear it any longer, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens all alone;

But when Timotheus reached me a moment ago, on his return from you, bringing me the good news of your faith and love and of how you always remember me kindly, longing to see me as I long to see you,

then, amid all my own distress and trouble, I was cheered ??this faith of yours encouraged me.

It is life to me now, if you stand firm in the Lord.

How can I render thanks enough to God for you, for all the joy you make me feel in the presence of our God?

Night and day I pray specially that I may see your faces and supply what is defective in your faith.

May our God and Father and our Lord Jesus direct my way to you!

And may the Lord make you increase and excel in love to one another and to all men (as is my love for you),

so that your life may be correct in the eyes of the outside world and self-supporting.

May the God of peace consecrate you through and through! Spirit, soul, and body, may you be kept without break or blame till the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ!