Chapter 3
1 Therefore when we couldn’t stand it any longer , we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone ,
2 and sent Timothy , our brother and God ’s servant in the Good News of Christ , to establish you and to comfort you concerning your faith ,
3 that no one would be moved by these afflictions . For you know that we are appointed to this task.
4 For most certainly , when we were with you , we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction , even as it happened , and you know .
5 For this cause I also , when I couldn’ t stand it any longer , sent that I might know your faith , for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you , and our labour would have been in vain .
6 But Timothy has just now come to us from you , and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always , longing to see us , even as we also long to see you .
7 For this cause , brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith .
8 For now we live , if you stand fast in the Lord .
9 For what thanksgiving can we give again to God for you , for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God ,
10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith ?
11 Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ , direct our way to you .
12 May the Lord make you to increase and abound in love towards one another and towards all men , even as we also do towards you ,
13 to the end he may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.