1That is why, when we could bear it no longer, we decided to remain alone in Athens^a 2and sent Timothy, our brother and co-worker for God in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,^b 3so that no one be disturbed in these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined^* for this. 4For even when we were among you, we used to warn you in advance that we would undergo affliction, just as has happened, as you know.^c 5For this reason, when I too could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had put you to the test and our toil might come to nothing.