1. Finally, we could not bear it any longer. So we decided to stay on alone in Athens
2. while we sent Timothy, our brother who works with us for God in preaching the Good News about Christ. We sent him to strengthen you and help your faith,
3. so that none of you should turn back because of these persecutions. You yourselves know that such persecutions are part of God's will for us.
4. For while we were still with you, we told you beforehand that we were going to be persecuted; and as you well know, that is exactly what happened.