‘I know what you’ve been doing. I know about your love and your faith. I know how well you’ve served me and that you haven’t given up easily. In fact, you’re doing more now than you did at first.
We should always thank God for you, brothers and sisters. That’s only right, because your faith is growing more and more and your love for one another is increasing.
But just now Timothy has come to us from you, and he has brought good news about your faith and love. He has told us that you always have happy memories of us and that you long to see us just as we long to see you.
‘I know that even though you live where Satan has his throne, you’re still faithful to me. You didn’t give up your faith even in the days of Antipas, my faithful witness, who was put to death in your city, where Satan lives.
‘I know that you’re suffering and that you’re poor—but you’re rich! I know how you’re being insulted by people who claim to be Jews but aren’t. They’re a synagogue of Satan.