1. So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind alone in Athens.
2. We sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in proclaiming the Good News of Messiah, in order to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
3. so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know we are destined for this.
4. For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer persecution— just as has happened, as you know.
5. For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faithfulness, for fear that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be in vain.