ESV Study Bble: 1 Thess. 3:3–4 Paul’s motive for sending Timothy was to strengthen the persecuted Thessalonians (cf. 2 Thess. 1:5–7). we are destined for this. Christians are destined to suffer tribulation for their faith (Rom. 8:17–18; 2 Tim. 3:12; also Mark 10:30; 1 Pet. 4:12–13). Apparently the Thessalonians had been taken aback by the unrelenting persecution.