3 When we could ·not wait any [endure it no] longer, we decided it was best to stay in Athens alone ² and send Timothy to you. Timothy, our brother, ·works with us [is our coworker] for God ·and helps us tell people the Good News about [^Lin the Gospel of] Christ. We sent him to strengthen and ·encourage [comfort; or exhort] you in your faith ³ so none of you would be ·upset [disturbed; shaken] by these ·troubles [trials]. [^LFor] You yourselves know that we ·must face these troubles [^Lare destined/appointed for this]. ⁴ [^LFor] Even when we were with you, we told you [^Lin advance] we all would have to ·suffer [be persecuted; suffer hardship/affliction], and you know it has happened. ⁵ Because of this, when I could ·wait [endure it] no longer, I sent Timothy to you so I could learn about your faith. I was afraid ·the devil [^Lthe tempter] had tempted you, and perhaps our hard work would have been ·wasted [in vain; for nothing].