3 But after all our attempts to come to you were frustrated, we decided it was best for Silvanus^[a] and me to stay behind in Athens by ourselves ² and to send Timothy (our dear brother [and servant of God],^[b] our partner in the good news of the Anointed One) to strengthen, comfort, and encourage you in your faith ³ so that you won’t be shaken by the sufferings and wither under this stress that we know lies ahead.