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¹ Therefore, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to remain alone in Athens[xr] ² and send Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ,[fn] to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,[xr] ³ so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that we were destined for this.[xr] ⁴ In fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to suffer persecution. And as you know, that is what happened.[xr] ⁵ But when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy[fn] to find out about your faith. I was afraid that the tempter had tempted you in some way, and that our work had been a waste of time.[xr]

⁶ But Timothy has just now come back to us from you and has told us the good news about your faith and love. He also told us that you always have fond memories of us and want to see us, just as we want to see you.[xr] ⁷ That's why, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you by your faith.[xr] ⁸ For now we can go on living, as long as you continue to stand firm in the Lord.[xr] ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we have in God's presence because of you?[xr] ¹⁰ We pray very hard night and day that we may see you again face to face, so that we may supply whatever is lacking in your faith.[xr]

¹¹ Now may our God and Father and our Lord Jesus guide us to you.[xr] ¹² May the Lord greatly increase your love[fn] for each other and for all people, just as we love you.[fn][xr] ¹³ Then your hearts will be strong in holiness and blameless in the presence of our God and Father when our Lord Jesus comes with all his saints.[fn][xr]