Timothy’s Visit

1So when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left on our own in Athens. 2We sent Timothy (honoring God), our brother and fellow worker for God (our brother and God’s fellow worker)a in the gospel (good news) of Christ (the Anointed One), to strengthen and encourage you⁺ in your⁺ faith, 3so that none of you would be shaken by these trials. For you⁺ know that we are destined for this. 4Indeed, when we were with you⁺, we kept warning you⁺ that we would suffer persecution; and as you⁺ know, it has come to pass. 5For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your⁺ faith, for fear that the tempter had somehow tempted you⁺ and that our labor might have been in vain.

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6But just now, Timothy (honoring God) has returned from his visit with the good news (gospel) about your⁺ faith, your⁺ love {agapēn}, and the fond memories you⁺ have preserved, longing to see us just as we long to see you⁺. 7For this reason, brothers (and sisters), in all our distress and persecution, we have been reassured about you⁺, because of your⁺ faith. 8For now we can go on living, as long as you⁺ are standing firm in the Lord {Kyriō}.

9How can we adequately thank God {Theō} for you⁺ in return for our great joy over you⁺ in His presence? 10Night and day we pray most earnestly that we may see you⁺ face to face and supply what is lacking in your⁺ faith.

11Now may our God {Theos} and Father {Patēr} Himself, and our Lord {Kyrios} Jesus (YHWH saves), direct our way to you⁺. 12And may the Lord {Kyrios} cause you⁺ to increase and overflow with love {agapē} for one another and for everyone else, just as our love for you⁺ overflows, 13so that He may establish your⁺ hearts in blamelessness and holiness before our God {Theou} and Father at the coming of our Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) with all His saints (holy ones). Amen.