Nor, of men, seeking glory - either from you, or from others, though we could have assumed, dignity, as Apostles of Christ;

{Although we could have insisted on our own importance} as apostles of Christ, yet we became infants in your midst, like a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

Thus, yearning after you, we could have been well-pleased to impart unto you - not only the glad-message of God, but, our own lives also, - because, very dear to us, had ye become.

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

For this cause, when I could no longer forbear, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter have tempted you, and our labour be in vain.

for now we [really] live, if you [continue to] stand firm in [the service of] the Lord [i.e., Paul could enjoy life much more in knowing that the Thessalonians were living for the Lord faithfully].

who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep [i.e., alive or dead], we could live together with Him.