Longing to See Them

¹⁷ But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time ^(A)in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

⁵ For ^(A)though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing ^[a]to see ^(B)your good order and the ^(C)steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

^3 (A)For I indeed, as absent in body but present in spirit, have already judged (as though I were present) him who has so done this deed.

Encouraged by Timothy

^6 (A)But 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, ^(B)as we also to see you—

¹³ Now I do not want you to be unaware, brethren, that I often planned to come to you (but ^(A)was hindered until now), that I might have some ^(B)fruit among you also, just as among the other Gentiles.

¹⁰ night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face ^(A)and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

Prayer for the Church

¹¹ Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, ^(B)direct our way to you.

²² But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I ^[a]cannot tell. ^23 [b]For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a ^(A)desire to depart and be with Christ, which is ^(B)far better. ²⁴ Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. ²⁵ And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, ²⁶ that ^(C)your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

²³ But now no longer having a place in these parts, and ^(A)having a great desire these many years to come to you,

Ministering at Berea

¹⁰ Then ^(A)the brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they arrived, they went into the synagogue of the Jews.

¹⁵ Then He said to them, “With fervent desire I have desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer;