trary to all men; (16)hindering us from
speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their
sins always; and the wrath came upon them to the utmost.

(17)But we, brethren, having been severed from you for a short time,
in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your
face, with great desire. (18)Wherefore we would fain have come to you,
even I, Paul, once and again; and Satan hindered us. (19)For what is
our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not also ye, in the
presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? (20)For ye are our
glory and joy.

III.

WHEREFORE, when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be
left behind at Athens alone; (2)and sent Timothy, our brother, and a
fellow-worker with God in the gospel of Christ, to establish you, and
to exhort you concerning your faith; (3)that no one should be shaken
by these afflictions, for yourselves know that unto this we are
appointed. (4)For even when we were with you, we told you before that
we are to suffer affliction; as also it came to pass, and ye know.
(5)For this cause, when I too could no longer forbear, I sent to know
your faith, lest by some means the tempter tempted you, and our labor
should be in vain.

(6)But now, when Timothy came to us from you, and brought us good
tidings of your faith and love, and that ye have good remembrance of
us always, desiring greatly to see us, as we also to see you; (7)for
this cause we were consoled, brethren, over you in all our affliction
and distress, through your faith; (8)because now we live, if ye stand
fast in the Lord. (9)For what thanks can we render to God for you, for
all the joy wherewith we rejoice for your sakes before our God;
(10)night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and
may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

(11)Now God and our Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct
our way to you. (12)And the Lord make you increase and abound in love
toward one another, and toward all, as we also do toward you; (13)to
the end he may establish your hearts unblamable in holiness before God
and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ with all his
saints.

IV.

FURTHERMORE then, brethren, we beseech you, and exhort you in the Lord
Jesus, that as ye received from us how ye ought to walk and to please
God, as also ye are walking, ye would abound yet more. (2)For ye know
what commands we gave you, through th