For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and also in the holy ghost and in much certainty, as ye know after what manner we behaved ourselves among you, for your sakes.

And you followed the pattern set you by us and by the Master, after you had received the Message amid severe persecution, and yet with the joy which the Holy Spirit gives,

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance to you, that it was not in vain: But even after we had suffered before,

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

Thus, yearning after you, we could have been well-pleased to impart unto you - not only the glad-message of God, but, our own lives also, - because, very dear to us, had ye become.

to live lives [of honor, moral courage, and personal integrity] worthy of the God who [saves you and] calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

But as for us, brothers, after we were forced to leave you for a short time (in person, not in heart), we greatly desired and made every effort to return and see you face to face.

After all, who is our hope, joy, or reason for rejoicing in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming? It is you, isn't it?

After that, we, the living who are left, together with them, shall be caught away, in clouds, to meet the Lord in the air: - and, thus, evermore, with the Lord, shall we be!

See that none render unto any one evil for evil; but always follow after that which is good, one toward another, and toward all.