1Wherefore, when we could no longer forbear, we chose to be left at Athens alone, 2and sent Timothy, our brother and a fellow-laborer with God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and to encourage you in your faith, 3so that no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for yourselves know that to this we are appointed; 4for even when we were with you, we told you before that we are to suffer affliction, just as it came to pass, and ye know. 5For this cause, when I too could no longer forbear, I sent in order to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor should prove in vain. 6But when Timothy just now came to us from you, and brought us good tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you; 7for this cause, brethren, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction by your faith; 8for now we live, if ye stand fast in the Lord. 9For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy wherewith we rejoice for your sakes before our God; 10night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may supply that which is lacking in your faith? 11Now God himself, our Father, and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you; 12and the Lord make you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all, even as we do in love toward you; 13in order that he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God, our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.