I know the things you do. I know about your love, your faith, your service, and your patience. I know that you are doing more now than you did at first.
He cuts off every branch {\cf2\super [217]} of mine that does not make fruit. {\cf2\super [218]} And he trims and cleans every branch that makes fruit, so that it will make even more fruit.
But Timothy came back to us from you. He told us good news about your faith and love. Timothy 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.
We thank God for you always. And we should do that because that is right for us to do. It is right because your faith is growing more and more. And the love that every one of you has for each other is also growing.
The goal of this command is for people to have love. To have this love people must have a pure heart, they must do what they know is right, and they must have true faith.
I know where you live. You live where Satan (the devil) has his throne. But you are true to me. You did not refuse to tell about your faith in me even during the time of Antipas. Antipas was my faithful witness {\cf2\super [16]} who was killed in your city. Your city is where Satan lives.
I know your troubles, and I know that you are poor. But really you are rich! I know the bad things that some people say \{about you\}. Those people say they are Jews. But they are not true Jews. They are a synagogue (group) that belongs to Satan (the devil).