1Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens. Ac 17:15

2And we sent Timothy, Ac 16:1; 1Tm 1:2 our brother and God’s coworker Other mss read servant in the gospel of Christ, Php 1:27 to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith,

3so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to Or are destined for this.

4In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened.

5For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.

6But now Timothy has come to us Ac 18:5 from you and brought us good news about your faith and love and reported that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you. 1Co 11:2; Php 1:8

7Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith.

8For now we live, if you stand firm Rm 14:4; 1Co 16:13; Php 1:27 in the Lord.

9How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy Jn 15:11; 2Co 6:10; Php 1:18 we experience before our God because of you,

10as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to face 1Th 2:17 and to complete what is lacking in your faith? Col 1:24

11Now may our God and Father Jn 8:42; Php 4:20 Himself, and our Lord Jesus, Ac 20:21 direct our way to you.

12And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love Lk 7:42 for one another Rm 13:8 and for everyone, just as we also do for you.

13May He make your hearts blameless Lk 1:6 in holiness Rm 1:4; 1Co 7:14; 2Co 7:1 before our God and Father at the coming 1Th 1:10; 1Jn 2:28 of our Lord Rv 11:8 Jesus with all His saints. Amen. Other mss omit Amen.