1. Finally, we couldn't stand it any longer. We decided to stay in Athens by ourselves
2. and send our friend Timothy to you. He works with us as God's servant and preaches the good news about Christ. We wanted him to make you strong in your faith and to encourage you.
3. We didn't want any of you to be discouraged by all these troubles. You knew we would have to suffer,
4. because when we were with you, we told you this would happen. And we did suffer, as you well know.
5. At last, when I could not wait any longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I hoped that Satan had not tempted you and made all our work useless.
6. Timothy has come back from his visit to you and has told us about your faith and love. He also said that you always have happy memories of us and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you.