so that we ourselves boast about you in the assemblies of God for your patience and faith in all your persecutions and in the afflictions which you endure.
In the expression, "we ourselves" Paul stresses it is not only he but also Silas and Timothy who send salutations. This trio of devoted co-laborers are very careful not to boast about anything that would bring credit or honor to themselves, as Paul also does in Galatians 6:14, 2 Corinthians 12:1-6, and 1 Thessalonians 2:6-7.