1AND because we could no longer with stand these obstacles, we decided to remain at Athens alone; 2And send Ti-mo’the-us, our brother, a minister of God, and our helper in the gospel of Christ, to sustain you and comfort you concerning your faith: 3So that no man among you might be disheartened by these tribulations: for you, yourselves, know that this is our destiny. 4For verily when we were with you, we told you before, that we should suffer tribulations; even as it has come to pass, and as you know. 5For this reason also, when I could no longer wait, I sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor was in vain.

6But now since Ti-mo’the-us has returned to us from you, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and that you have good remembrance of us always, longing to see us, just as we also long to see you: 7Therefore, our brethren, we have been comforted by you, in the midst of all our distress and tribulations because of your faith: 8Now we can live happily, if you stand firm in our LORD. 9What thanks can we offer to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes, 10Except, before God to abundantly offer supplication, night and day, to see your faces, and to complete that which is lacking in your faith?

11Now may God, our Father, and our LORD Jesus Christ, direct our journey unto you, 12And may the LORD increase and enrich your love toward one another and toward all men, even as we love you: 13And may he strengthen your hearts to be without blemish in holiness before God our Father, at the coming of our LORD Jesus Christ with all his saints.