New Testament in a Year

Chapter 3

Standing Firm in the Lord.^{[a] 1} Therefore, when we^[b] could not stand it any longer, we decided to remain alone in Athens. ² We sent Timothy, our brother and coworker for God^[c] in the gospel of Christ, to confirm and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one might be troubled by these hardships.

You yourselves realize that we were destined to endure such afflictions. ⁴ In fact, when we were with you, we warned you beforehand that we could suffer persecution, and that is what has now come to pass, as you are well aware. ⁵ For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn of your faith, lest the tempter might have put you to the test and all our labor might have been for naught.

⁶ But Timothy has just now returned to us from you and brought us the joyful news of your faith and love. He tells us that you always speak fondly of us and long to see us just as much as we long to see you.^{[d] 7} For this reason, brethren, in the midst of our distress and hardship we have been reassured by your faith. ⁸ For now we live inasmuch as you stand firm in the Lord.

Plea for Growth in Holiness. ⁹ How can we possibly give thanks to God for all the joy we feel in the presence of our God because of you? ¹⁰ We pray fervently day and night that we will be allowed to see you face to face once again and complete whatever may be lacking in your faith.

¹¹ May our God and Father himself and our Lord Jesus prepare the way to you. ¹² May the Lord^[e] cause your love to increase and overflow for one another and for everyone else, just as our love does for you. ¹³ May he so strengthen your hearts in holiness that you may stand blameless before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his holy ones.^[f] [Amen.]