as such. Paul is present with them in the person of Timothy, and he wants them to realize that. His purpose was clear. He was being sent “to strengthen and encourage you in your faith.” Each verb is important. “Strengthen” (stērixai) means to “shore up” or “make firm” a building or “establish” a movement or group. Paul was afraid Satan had shaken their faith and so wanted Timothy to make their faith firm and strong against all attempts to destroy it. The second verb, “encourage” (parakalesai), occurs