002:016 for they still try to prevent our preaching to the Gentiles
so that they may find salvation. They thus continually fill
up the measure of their own sins, and God's anger in its
severest form has overtaken them.
002:017 But we, brethren, having been for a short time separated
from you in bodily presence, though not in heart,
endeavoured all the more earnestly, with intense longing,
to see you face to face.
002:018 On this account we wanted to come to you—at least I Paul wanted again and again to do so—but Satan hindered us.
002:019 For what is our hope or joy, or the crown of which we boast? Is it not you yourselves in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His Coming?
002:020 Yes, you are our glory and our joy.
003:001 So when we could endure it no longer, we decided to remain behind in Athens alone;
003:002 and sent Timothy our brother and God's minister in the service of Christ's Good News, that he might help you spiritually and encourage you in your faith;
003:003 that none of you might be unnerved by your present trials: for you yourselves know that they are our appointed lot.
003:004 For even when we were with you, we forewarned you, saying, "We are soon to suffer affliction;" and this actually happened, as you well know.
003:005 For this reason I also, when I could no longer endure the uncertainty, sent to know the condition of your faith, lest perchance the Tempter might have tempted you and our labour have been lost.