Revised Common Lectionary (Complementary)

He tells them how greatly he was moved with joy when Timothy told him of their faith and love.

3 Therefore, since we could bear it no longer, it pleased us to remain at Athens alone, ² and we sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God, and our labour-fellow in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to comfort you over your faith, ³ so that no one would be shaken in these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are even appointed to this. ⁴ For indeed, when I was with you, I warned that we would suffer tribulation, even as it came to pass and as you know. ⁵ For this reason, when I could no longer bear it, I sent to find out about your faith, lest perhaps the tempter had tempted you and our labour had been bestowed in vain.