for my gospel did not come to you in word only, but in power also, and in the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. For you know also the manner in which I behaved myself among you for your sakes.

For the word of the Lord has been sounded forth from you, and its sound has been heard not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place where the tidings of your faith toward God have been spread abroad, so that I have no need to speak of it.

But as my fitness to be entrusted with the gospel has been tested and approved by God, I so speak, not to please men, but to please God, who is testing my motives.

So in my fond affection it was my joy to give you, not only the gospel of God, but my very life also, because you had become dear to me.

For this reason also I am giving continual thanks to God, because when you heard from me the spoken word of God, you received it not as the word of men, but as the word of God (which in truth it is), who himself is effectually at work in you believe.

They forbid me to speak to the Gentiles with a view to their salvation. They continue always to fill up the measure of their sins; but the wrath of God is come upon them to the full!

But I, my brothers, although torn from you for a short season (in presence, not in heart), made eager efforts to behold you face to face with strong longing.

For what is my hope, or joy? What is the victor's wreath in which I exult? What but your own selves in the presence of our Lord Jesus, at his coming!

But now that Timothy has returned from you to me, and has brought good news of your faith and love, and that you are still holding me in affectionate remembrance, always longing to see me as I also am longing to see you.

For God has not called us for uncleanness, but in holiness.

So that he who rejects this is not rejecting man, but the God who gave you his Holy Spirit.

As indeed you do love all the brothers in Macedonia. But I exhort you, brothers, to abound in this yet more.

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, about those who are falling asleep. You must not sorrow like other men, who have no hope.

But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that "the Day" should come upon you like a bandit.

So then let us not be sleeping as do the rest, but let us be watchful and self-controlled.

But let us who are of the day be self-controlled, putting on the breastplate of faith and love; and for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to win salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Take care that none of you ever return evil for evil, but always pursue what is kind to one another and to all.

But try all, holding fast to the good.