Note 3 at 1 Th. 3:2: While Paul continued to work at Athens he sent Timothy to minister to the Thessalonians. Paul intended for Timothy to accomplish two main things: to establish and to comfort.

The English word "establish" was translated from the Greek verb STERIZO, which is used 13 times in the New Testament and means to make stable, to place firmly, and strengthen. The word was used of stabilizing an existing structure. It came to be used figuratively of strengthening and stabilizing the believers.

The word "comfort" came from the Greek verb PARAKALEO, and is used 109 times in the New Testament. This word carries the idea of encouraging and strengthening by consolation. A variation of this Greek word was translated "Holy Spirit" because "to comfort" is descriptive of the ministry of the Holy Spirit. The same word is used of Christ in 1 John 2:1, where it means a legal advocate.

J.B. Phillips translates verses 1-2 as, "And so, when the separation became intolerable, we thought the best plan was for us to stay at Athens alone, while we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow-worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith."