"You keep on searching the Scriptures, for you yourselves suppose that you will get possession of eternal life through them; and yet they are witnesses that testify to me,

while we will go on devoting ourselves to prayer and the word of God."

The Jews there were better disposed than those in Thessalonica, for they welcomed the message with all eagerness and carried on a daily study of the Scriptures to see if Paul's message was true.

Do your best to present yourself to God an approved workman who has nothing to be ashamed of, who properly presents the message of truth.

To exhortation

or of one who encourages others, in the field of encouragement; or one who gives his money, with liberality; or one who leads others, with earnestness; or one who does deeds of charity, with cheerfulness.

But whoever prophesies is speaking to men for their upbuilding. encouragement, and comfort.

You must continue teaching this, and continue exhorting and reproving people, with full authority. Let no one belittle you.

To doctrine

If you continue to put these things before the brothers, you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, ever feeding your own soul on the truths of the faith and of the fine teaching which you have followed.

But as it now is, brothers, if I do come back to you speaking in ecstasy, what good shall I do you, unless my speech contains a revelation or new knowledge or a prophetic message or some teaching?

preach the message, stay at it in season and out of season; convince, reprove, exhort people with perfect patience as a teacher.