3. and to keep you from being shaken by the troubles you were going through. But you know that we are destined for such troubles.
4. Even while we were with you, we warned you that troubles would soon come—and they did, as you well know.
5. That is why, when I could bear it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out whether your faith was still strong. I was afraid that the tempter had gotten the best of you and that our work had been useless.
6. But now Timothy has just returned, bringing us good news about your faith and love. He reports that you always remember our visit with joy and that you want to see us as much as we want to see you.