1Therefore when we could endure [it] no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone,
1我們既不能再忍，就願意獨自等在雅典，
2and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you as to your faith,
2打發我們的兄弟在基督福音上作神執事的（有古卷作：與神同工的）提摩太前去，堅固你們，並在你們所信的道上勸慰你們，
3so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.
3免得有人被諸般患難搖動。因為你們自己知道我們受患難原是命定的。
4For indeed when we were with you, we [kept] telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.
4我們在你們那裡的時候，預先告訴你們，我們必受患難，以後果然應驗了，你們也知道。
5For this reason, when I could endure [it] no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
5為此，我既不能再忍，就打發人去，要曉得你們的信心如何，恐怕那誘惑人的到底誘惑了你們，叫我們的勞苦歸於徒然。
6But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,
6但提摩太剛才從你們那裡回來，將你們信心和愛心的好消息報給我們，又說你們常常記念我們，切切的想見我們，如同我們想見你們一樣。
7for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith;
7所以弟兄們，我們在一切困苦患難之中，因著你們的信心就得了安慰。
8for now we [really] live, if you stand firm in the Lord.
8你們若靠主站立得穩，我們就活了。
9For what thanks can we render to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice before our God on your account,
9我們在神面前，因著你們甚是喜樂，為這一切喜樂，可用何等的感謝為你們報答神呢？
10as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see your face, and may complete what is lacking in your faith?
10我們晝夜切切的祈求，要見你們的面，補滿你們信心的不足。
11Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you;
11願神我們的父和我們的主耶穌一直引領我們到你們那裡去。
12and may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also [do] for you;
12又願主叫你們彼此相愛的心，並愛眾人的心都能增長、充足，如同我們愛你們一樣；
13so that He may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.
13好使你們當我們主耶穌同他眾聖徒來的時候，在我們父神面前，心裡堅固，成為聖潔，無可責備。