1 Thessalonians 3:1

Wherefore when we could no longer forbear, we thought it good to be left at Athens alone;

Cross-reference

In 1 Thessalonians 3:5, Paul explains he could bear it no longer and sent Timothy to test their faith—the same compulsion from verse 1.

In 1 Thessalonians 2:17, Paul expresses his eagerness to see them after being torn away—verse 3:1 then shows that this eagerness led him to stay in Athens alone.

Acts 17:15 Historical context

Acts 17:15 describes Paul being left in Athens alone after his companions were sent for—the very historical situation Paul refers to here.