3:1 | So when we could bear it no longer, we decided to stay on in Athens* alone. |
3:2 | We* sent Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God* in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and encourage you about your faith, |
3:3 | so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this. |
3:4 | For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.* |
3:5 | So* when I could bear it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter somehow tempted you and our toil had proven useless. |
3:6 | But now Timothy has come* to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection* and long to see us just as we also long to see you!* |
3:7 | So* in all our distress and affliction, we were reassured about you, brothers and sisters,* through your faith. |
3:8 | For now we are alive again,* if you stand firm in the Lord. |
3:9 | For how can we thank God enough for you,* for all the joy we feel* because of you before our God? |
3:10 | We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person* and make up what may be lacking in your faith. |
3:11 | Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you. |
3:12 | And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you, |
3:13 | so that your hearts are strengthened in holiness to be blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.* |