1-2. We could not come to you, but it was very hard to wait any longer. So we decided to send Timothy to you and stay in Athens alone. Timothy is our brother. He works with us for God to tell people the Good News about Christ. We sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.
3. We sent him so that none of you would be upset by the troubles we have now. You yourselves know that we must have these troubles.
4. Even when we were with you, we told you that we would all have to suffer. And you know that it happened just as we said.