31 Therefore when we could endure it no longer , we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone , 2 and we sent Timothy , our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ , to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith , 3 so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions ; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this . 4 For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction ; and so it came to pass , as you know . 5 For this reason , when I could endure it no longer , I also sent to find out about your faith , for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain .
6 But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love , and that you always think e kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, 7 for this reason , brethren , in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith ; 8 for now we really live , if you stand firm in the Lord . 9 For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account , 10 as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face , and may complete what is lacking in your faith ?
11 Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause e you to increase and abound in love for one another , and for all people , just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints .
