Longing to See Them

17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time iin presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but jSatan hindered us. 19 For kwhat is our hope, or joy, or lcrown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the mpresence of our Lord Jesus Christ nat His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.

Concern for Their Faith

3 Therefore, when we could no longer endure it, we thought it good to be left in Athens alone, 2 and sent aTimothy, our brother and minister of God, and our fellow laborer in the gospel of Christ, to establish you and encourage you concerning your faith, 3 bthat no one should be shaken by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that cwe are appointed to this. 4 dFor, in fact, we told you before when we were with you that we would suffer tribulation, just as it happened, and you know. 5 For this reason, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to know your faith, elest by some means the tempter had tempted you, and four labor might be in vain.

Encouraged by Timothy

6 gBut now that Timothy has come to us from you, and brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always have good remembrance of us, greatly desiring to see us, has we also to see you—7 therefore, brethren, in all our affliction and distress iwe were comforted concerning you by your faith. 8 For now we live, if you jstand fast in the Lord.

9 For what thanks can we render to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sake before our God, 10 night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face kand perfect what is lacking in your faith?