For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a waste of time.

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

In fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to suffer persecution. And as you know, that is what happened.

But when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I was afraid that the tempter had tempted you in some way, and that our work had been a waste of time.

that no man go too far and defraud his brother in bargaining, because the Lord is avenger of all such things: as we told you before time, and testified unto you.

Now, concerning those who from time to time pass away, we would not have you to be ignorant, brethren, lest you should mourn as others do who have no hope.

Then we who are alive, who remain, will be snatched away at the same time together with them in the clouds for a meeting with the Lord in the air, and thus we will be together with the Lord always.

As regards the course and periods of time, brothers, you have no need of being written to.

therefore let us not sleep away our time like others, but be vigilant and temperate.

who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live at the same time with him.