3 So when we could stand it no longer,^(A) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.^{(B) 2} We sent Timothy,^(C) who is our brother and co-worker^(D) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(E) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(F) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^{(G) 4} In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.^{(H) 5} For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,^(I) I sent to find out about your faith.^(J) I was afraid that in some way the tempter^(K) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.^(L)

⁴ It has given me great joy to find some of your children walking in the truth,^(A) just as the Father commanded us. ⁵ And now, dear lady, I am not writing you a new command but one we have had from the beginning.^(B) I ask that we love one another. ⁶ And this is love:^(C) that we walk in obedience to his commands.^(D) As you have heard from the beginning,^(E) his command is that you walk in love.

⁷ I say this because many deceivers, who do not acknowledge Jesus Christ^(F) as coming in the flesh,^(G) have gone out into the world.^(H) Any such person is the deceiver and the antichrist.^{(I) 8} Watch out that you do not lose what we^[a] have worked for, but that you may be rewarded fully.^{(J) 9} Anyone who runs ahead and does not continue in the teaching of Christ^(K) does not have God; whoever continues in the teaching has both the Father and the Son.^{(L) 10} If anyone comes to you and does not bring this teaching, do not take them into your house or welcome them.^{(M) 11} Anyone who welcomes them shares^(N) in their wicked work.