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1 FOR the which cause forbearing no longer, it pleased us to remain at Athens, alone. 

2 And we sent Timothy our brother, and the minister of God in the Gospel of Christ, to confirm you and exhort you for your faith, 

3 that no man be moved in these tribulations, for yourselves know, that we are appointed to this. 

4 For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations, as also it is come to pass, and you know. 

5 Therefore I also forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempts, has tempted you, and our labor be made vain. 

6 But now *Timothy coming unto us from you, and reporting to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us, as we also you: 

7 Therefore we are comforted, brethren, in you, in all our necessity and tribulation, by your faith, 

8 because now we live, if you stand in our Lord. 

9 For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you, in all joy where with we rejoice for you before our God, 

10 night and day more abundantly praying that we may see your face, and may accomplish those things that want of your faith. 

11 And God himself and our Father, and our Lord Jesus Christ direct our way to you. 

12 And our Lord multiply you, and make your charity abound one to another, and toward all men: as we also in you, 

13 to confirm your hearts without blame, in holiness, before God and our Father, in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his Saints. Amen.

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10. See your face. Though letters or epistles in absence give great comfort and confirmation in faith, yet it is preaching in presence, by which the faith of Christ and true religion is always both begun and accomplished.