So (when) we could bear (it) no longer , we were willing to be left on our own in Athens.
- We sent Timothy - , our - brother and fellow worker - for God in the gospel - of Christ , to - strengthen and encourage you in your - faith ,
so that none (of you) would be shaken by these - trials. For you know that we are destined for this.
- Indeed , when we were with you , we kept warning you ... that we would suffer persecution ; and as ... ... you know , it has come to pass.
For this reason ... , (when) I could bear (it) no longer , I sent to - find out about your - faith , (for fear that) the tempter {had} somehow tempted you and (caused) our - labor to be in vain.
But just now , Timothy - has returned ... ... from ( his visit) - with the good news ... about your - faith , - (your) love , and (the) fond memories - vvv you have preserved - , longing to see us just as we (long to see) you.
For this reason ... , brothers , in all our - distress and persecution , we have been reassured about you , because of your - faith.
For now we can go on living , as long as you are standing firm in (the) Lord.
- How can we vvv (adequately) thank - God for you in return for vvv vvv vvv vvv our great joy over you in (His) presence ... ... ... ?
Night and day we pray most earnestly that - we may see you - face to face and supply what is lacking - from your faith.
Now {may} our - God and Father Himself , and our - Lord Jesus , direct our - way to you.
And {may} the Lord vvv cause you to increase and overflow - with love for one another and for everyone (else) , just as our (love) for you (overflows) ,
so that - He may establish your - hearts in blamelessness (and) holiness before our - God and Father at the coming of our - Lord Jesus with all His - saints. Amen.