4. Even when we were with you, we told you that we would all have to suffer. And you know that it happened just as we said.
5. This is why I sent Timothy to you, so that I could know about your faith. I sent him when I could not wait anymore. I was afraid that the devil who tempts people might have defeated you with temptations. Then our hard work would have been wasted.
6. But now Timothy has come back from his visit with you and told us good news about your faith and love. He told us that you always remember us in a good way. He told us that you want very much to see us again. And it is the same with us—we want very much to see you.
7. So, brothers and sisters, we are encouraged about you because of your faith. We have much trouble and suffering, but still we are encouraged.
8. Our life is really full if you stand strong in the Lord.
9. We have so much joy before our God because of you! So we thank God for you. But we cannot thank him enough for all the joy we feel.