17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly with great desire to see your face. 18 Therefore we would have come unto you, even I, Paul, once and again, but Satan hindered us. 19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of rejoicing? Is it not you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.
1 Therefore when we could wait no longer, we agreed to remain in Athens alone 2 and sent Timothy, our brother and minister of God and our fellowlabourer in the gospel of the Christ, to confirm you and to exhort you in your faith, 3 that no one should be moved in these tribulations, for you know that we are appointed for this. 4 For even when we were with you, we told you in advance that we must pass through tribulations, even as it has come to pass, and ye know. 5 For this cause I, also, not waiting any longer, have sent to know your faith, lest by some means the tempter has tempted you and our labour is in vain.