1 Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens.
2 And we sent Timothy, our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you concerning your faith,
3 so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.
4 In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened.
5 For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.
6 But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love and reported that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you.
7 Therefore, brothers, in all our distress and persecution, we were encouraged about you through your faith.