1Wherefore when we could no longer forbear , we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone ; 2and sent Timothy , our brother and God ’s minister in the gospel of Christ , to establish you , and to comfort you concerning your faith ; 3that no man be moved by these afflictions ; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed . 4For verily , when we were with you , we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction ; even as it came to pass , and ye know . 5For this cause I also , when I could no longer forbear , sent that I might know your faith , lest by any means the tempter had tempted you , and our labor should be in vain .
Timothy's Good Report
6But when Timothy came even now unto us from you , and brought us glad tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always , longing to see us , even as we also to see you ; 7for this cause , brethren , we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith : 8for now we live , if ye stand fast in the Lord . 9For what thanksgiving can we render again unto God for you , for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God ; 10night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face , and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith ?
Prayer for Growth and Holiness
11Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus , direct our way unto you : 12and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love one toward another , and toward all men , even as we also do toward you ; 13to the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before our God and Father , at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.