1: So when we couldn't stand being separated from you any longer and could find no way to visit you ourselves, we stayed in Athens
2: and sent Timothy to get you up and about, cheering you on so you wouldn't be discouraged by these hard times. He's a brother and companion in the faith, God's man in spreading the Message, preaching Christ.
3: Not that the troubles should come as any surprise to you. You've always known that we're in for this kind of thing. It's part of our calling.
4: When we were with you, we made it quite clear that there was trouble ahead. And now that it's happened, you know what it's like.
5: That's why I couldn't quit worrying; I had to know for myself how you were doing in the faith. I didn't want the Tempter getting to you and tearing down everything we had built up together.
6: But now that Timothy is back, bringing this terrific report on your faith and love, we feel a lot better. It's especially gratifying to know that you continue to think well of us, and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you!
7: In the middle of our trouble and hard times here, just knowing how you're doing keeps us going.
8: Knowing that your faith is alive keeps us alive.
9: What would be an adequate thanksgiving to offer God for all the joy we experience before him because of you?
10: We do what we can, praying away, night and day, asking for the bonus of seeing your faces again and doing what we can to help when your faith falters.
11: May God our Father himself and our Master Jesus clear the road to you!
12: And may the Master pour on the love so it fills your lives and splashes over on everyone around you, just as it does from us to you.
13: May you be infused with strength and purity, filled with confidence in the presence of God our Father when our Master Jesus arrives with all his followers.