1 Therefore, when we could no longer endure {stegontes: bear intense pressure}, we considered it good to be left behind in Athens {Athēnais: major Greek city} alone.
2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s {Theos, Supreme Worker} co-worker in the gospel of Christ {Christos, Saving King}, to establish you and to encourage you concerning your faith.
3 That no one should be shaken by these afflictions {thlipsesin: oppressive pressures}, for you yourselves know that for this we are appointed {keimetha: firmly placed}.
4 For indeed, when we were with you, we kept forewarning you that we were going to be afflicted {thlibesthai: suffer severe pressure}, just as it came to pass, and as you know {oidate: fully understand}.
5 Because of this, I {kago: deeply concerned} also, when I could endure it no longer, sent to know your faith, lest somehow the tempter {peirazon: hostile tester} had tempted you and our labor might be in vain.
6 But just now, when Timothy {Timotheos: Honoring God} has come to us from you and has brought us the good news {euangelizomai: joyful announcement} of your faith and love, and that you always have a good remembrance of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you.
7 For this reason, brothers, we were comforted about you in all our distress {ananke: pressing necessity} and affliction through your faith {pisteos: trusting confidence}.
8 For now we live {zomen: find true life}, if you stand firm in the Lord {Kyrios, Steadfast Master}.
9 For what thanksgiving {eucharistia: grateful response} can we repay to God {Theos, Gracious Joy Receiver} concerning you, for all the joy that we have because of you before our God?
10 We are praying {deomai: earnest entreaty} most earnestly night and day that we may see your face and complete what is lacking in your faith {pistis: trusting dependence}.
11 Now may He Himself, our God and Father {Theos kai Pater hemon, Faithful Guiding Father}, and our Lord Jesus {Kyrios hemon Iesous, Sovereign Companion on the Way}, direct our way to you.
12 But may the Lord {Kyrios, Giver of Love} cause you to increase and abound in love {agape: self-giving devotion} toward one another and toward all people, just as indeed we do toward you.
13 So that He may establish your hearts {kardias: inner being} blameless in holiness before our God {Theos, Righteous Judge} and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus {Kyrios Iesous, Returning King} with all His holy ones.