¹⁷ But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence, not in heart, tried even harder to see your face with great desire,

⁵ For though I am absent in the flesh, yet am I with you in the spirit, rejoicing and seeing your order, and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

³ For I most assuredly, as being absent in body but present in spirit, have already, as though I were present, judged him who has done this thing.

⁶ But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you;

¹³ Now I don't desire to have you unaware, brothers, that I often planned to come to you, and was hindered so far, that I might have some fruit among you also, even as among the rest of the Gentiles.

¹⁰ night and day praying exceedingly that we may see your face, and may perfect that which is lacking in your faith?

¹¹ Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way to you;

²² But if I live on in the flesh, this will bring fruit from my work; yet I don't make known what I will choose.

²³ But I am in a dilemma between the two, having the desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better.

²⁴ Yet, to remain in the flesh is more needful for your sake.

²⁵ Having this confidence, I know that I will remain, yes, and remain with you all, for your progress and joy in the faith,

²⁶ that your rejoicing may abound in Christ Jesus in me through my presence with you again.

²³ but now, no longer having any place in these regions, and having these many years a longing to come to you,

¹⁰ The brothers immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Beroea. When they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.

¹⁵ He said to them, "I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer,

¹ > God, you are my God. I will earnestly seek you. My soul thirsts for you, My flesh longs for you, In a dry and weary land, where there is no water.

²⁶ He said to him, Didn't my heart go with you, when the man turned from his chariot to meet you? Is it a time to receive money, and to receive garments, and olive groves and vineyards, and sheep and oxen, and men-servants and maid-servants?

³⁹ [the soul of] king David longed to go forth to Absalom: for he was comforted concerning Amnon, seeing he was dead.

¹¹ Israel said to Joseph, "I didn't think I would see your face, and, behold, God has let me see your seed also."

²⁸ Israel said, "It is enough. Joseph my son is still alive. I will go and see him before I die."

³⁰ Now, you want to be gone, because you sore longed after your father's house, but why have you stolen my gods?"