^1-2So when we couldn’t stand it any longer, we decided it would be best if we sent our brother Timothy to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, even if we had to stay here in Athens. Timothy works together with us as we serve God by spreading the good news about Christ.

³We didn’t want anyone’s faith to be shaken by these times of testing, which you know very well will happen to us.

⁴In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that our enemies would make us suffer, and it has turned out that way, as you know very well.

⁵That’s why, when I couldn’t stand it any longer, I sent someone to find out about your faith. I was afraid that Satan had tempted you in some way and that our work among you had been useless.

Timothy Brings a Good Report

⁶But just now Timothy has come to us from you, and he has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have happy memories of us and that you long to see us just as we long to see you.

⁷Brothers and sisters, even though we’re still in trouble and suffering, you’ve encouraged us by your faith.

⁸Now we really live, because you’re standing firm in the Lord.

⁹How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy we have in his presence because of you?

¹⁰We’re praying very hard, night and day, that we’ll be able to see you again and provide what you still need for your faith.

¹¹Now may our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you.

¹²May the Lord make your love grow and overflow for one another and for everyone else, just as ours does for you.

¹³May he strengthen your hearts so that you’ll be holy and blameless in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his holy ones.