Anxiety in Athens

1Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens.a 2And we sent Timothy,a our brother and God’s coworkerA in the gospel of Christ,b to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith, 3so that no one will be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this. 4In fact, when we were with you, we told you in advance that we were going to experience affliction, 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.

Encouraged by Timothy

6But now Timothy has come to usa from you and brought us good news about your faith and love. He reported that you always have good memories of us and that you long to see us, as we also long to see you.b 7Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction, we were encouraged about you through your faith. 8For now we live, if you stand firma in the Lord. 9How can we thank God for you in return for all the joya we experience before our God because of you, 10as we pray very earnestly night and day to see you face to facea and to complete what is lacking in your faith?b

Prayer for the Church

11Now may our God and Fathera himself, and our Lord Jesus,b direct our way to you. 12And may the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with lovea for one anotherb and for everyone, just as we do for you. 13May he make your hearts blamelessa in holinessb before our God and Father at the comingc of our Lordd Jesus with all his saints. Amen.A