¹ So when we could stand it no longer, we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens. 

이러므로 우리가 참다 못하여 우리만 아덴에 머물기를 좋게 여겨

So, therefore, for the reason that Paul longs to see them in person who are his glory and joy  (1 Thes 2:17-20). As a back up plan, he volunteers t be left alone (NIV does not have it but Greek , ESV, NASB do) – which corresponds with the expression that he was ‘orphaned’ (v.17). For the need of seeing the Thessalonians state of faith Paul does not mind the excruciating emotion or pain of being ‘orphaned’ (as a parent) becoming more intensified. Reminds me of the true mother in Solomon’s trial who wants to have her baby son given away so that he may be saved from the sword, ‘deeply moved out of love’ (1 Kings 3:26). In Hebrew literally, her compassion kindled hot; 개역한글, 마음이 불붙는 것 같아서.

² We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 

우리 형제 곧 그리스도 복음의 하나님의 일군인 디모데를 보내노니 이는 너희를 굳게 하고 너희 믿음에 대하여 위로함으로

Timothy sent as a back up. The real need to see the Thessalonians in person – to strengthen and encourage. Differentiated from ‘I miss you’ kind of I-oriented emotional wanting to see but more to do with the urgent need of the other party, the Thessalonians and their welfare, their life as believers.

³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials. For you know quite well that we are destined for them. 

누구든지 이 여러 환난 중에 요동치 않게 하려 함이라 우리로 이것을 당하게 세우신 줄을 너희가 친히 알리라

The reason for wanting to see them was thus to keep them from deserting faith because of hardship. Imagine the pressure the must receive as believers in the 1^st century Thessalonica both from the jealous Jews and the everyday practice and activities of pagan worshipping.

⁴ In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know. 

우리가 너희와 함께 있을 때에 장차 받을 환난을 너희에게 미리 말하였더니 과연 그렇게 된 것을 너희가 아느니라

But they have been told and warned about the consequences of becoming believers in advance. They have calculated the cost in full beforehand and still opted in! (Luke 14:28-33) Even before that however our God has calculated the full cost himself before he went on with his plan about us! Knowing the full cost He volunteered, freely ‘orphaned’ Himself for our sake. It is according to this pre-calculation of God we opt in and stay in.

⁵ For this reason, when I could stand it no longer, I sent to find out about your faith. I was afraid that in some way the tempter had tempted you and that our labours might have been in vain.

이러므로 나도 참다 못하여 너희 믿음을 알기 위하여 보내었노니 이는 혹 시험하는 자가 너희를 시험하여 우리 수고를 헛되게 할까 함일러니

Returning and tying back to v.1, adding the hindering counterwork of the Tempter (2:18) at work (which we must resist and fight back, but must also remember that it must also be in the package of the full calculation of God, and that therefore we will not end up in vain.)

Lord indeed before even we were believed your heart was kindled for us. You volunteered to be orphaned for our sake. We cannot ever begin to imagine the richness of such love but let us surrender and give in to you that we may be fully strengthened and encouraged as your believers, as your dearly loved children. Let us on this Pentecost Day, celebrate the coming of the Holy Spirit, who gladly comes by us and strengthens us, our Com-Forter our Lord God. Praise and honour be to your name. Amen amen.