Chapter 3

And so when we could bear it no longer we decided to remain at Athens alone,

and we sent Timothy, our brother and a servant of God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and comfort you in your faith,

lest any should be shaken by these tribulations. For you yourselves know that we are appointed thereto.

Indeed even when we were with you we used to tell you that we should suffer tribulations, as also it has come to pass, and you know.

Consequently when I could bear it no longer I sent in order to know your faith, lest perhaps the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor might come to naught.

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has made known to us your faith and charity, and your kindly remembrance of us at all times, and that you long to see us just as we long to see you,

we have accordingly found comfort in you, brethren, amid all our trials and tribulations, on account of your faith;

because now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.

For what thanks can we return to God for you for all the joy wherewith we rejoice for your sakes before our God?

Night and day we pray more and more that we may see you again, and may supply those things that are lacking to your faith.

May God our Father and our Lord Jesus direct our way unto you.

And may the Lord make you to increase and abound in charity towards one another, and towards all men just as we do towards you,

that he may strengthen your hearts, blameless in holiness before God our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen.