So when we could stand it no longer,u we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.v 2 We sent Timothy,w who is our brother and co-workerx in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,y to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.z For you know quite well that we are destined for them.a 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.b 5 For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,c I sent to find out about your faith.d I was afraid that in some way the temptere had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.f

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

6 But Timothyg has just now come to us from youh and has brought good news about your faith and love.i He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.j 7 Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. 8 For now we really live, since you are standing firmk in the Lord.