3 So when we could not stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind in Athens.  2 We sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the Gospel of Messiah, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,  3 so that no one would be upset by the current afflictions. For you know that we are destined for this.  4 Certainly, when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and as you know that is what happened.  5 That is why, when I could not stand it any longer, I sent to find out about your faith, in fear that the Tempter had somehow tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.
    6 But now Timothy has returned from his visit to you and has brought us good news of your faith and love. He said that you have good memories of us always and long to see us, just as we long to see you. 7 So, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith.  8 Now we live, if you stand firm in the lord.  9 How can we thank God enough for all the joy we have because of you before our God?  10 Night and day we pray earnestly that we may see your faces, and complete what is lacking in your faith.
    11 Now may God Himself, who is our Father, and Jesus our lord direct our way to you. 12 May the lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for everyone, as we do for you, 13 so that he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming[1300] of our lord Jesus with all his saints.