1 Timothy’s Good Report Therefore when we could endureitno longer, we were pleased to be left behind at Athens alone,
2 and we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,
3 so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions, for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.
4 For indeed when we were with you, wekepttelling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction, just as it happened andasyou know.
5 For this reason, when I could endureitno longer, I also sent to know about your faith, lest somehow the tempter has tempted you, and our labor be in vain.
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always remember us kindly, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,
7 for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;
8 for now wereallylive, if you stand firm in the Lord.
9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God because of you,
10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?
11 Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you,
12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we alsodofor you,
13 so that He may strengthen your hearts blameless in holiness, before our God and Father, at the 3:13 Or presence coming of our Lord Jesus with all His 3:13 Or holy ones saints.