Reference: Thessalonians, The Epistles to the
Fausets
FIRST EPISTLE. Authenticity. Ignatius, ad Polycarp 1, Ephesians 10, says "pray without ceasing" (1Th 5:17); so Polycarp, and Philippians 4. This epistle is in the Muratorian Canon, that of Marcion, and Laodicea, A.D. 364. Irenaeus (adv. Haer. 5:6, section 1) quotes 1Th 5:23; Clement of Alexandria (Paed. 1:88) quotes 1Th 2:7; Tertullian (de Resurr. Carnis 24) quotes 1Th 1:9-10; 5:1; Caius in Eusebius (Ecclesiastes Hist.) vi. 20, Origen (contra Celsus 3), also confirm it. Tertullian quotes this epistle 20 times.
AIM. After imprisonment and scourging at Philippi, Paul (1Th 2:2) passed on to Thessalonica. (See THESSALONICA.) With Silas (Ac 16:3; 17:1-9,14) and Timotheus he founded the church there (1Th 1:1; 3:1-6; 2Th 1:1). The Jews rejected the gospel when preached for three successive sabbaths; a few however "believed, and consorted with Paul and Silas, and of the devout (i.e. proselytes to Judaism) Greeks a great multitude, and of the chief women not a few." Amidst trials (1Th 1:6; 2:13) from their own countrymen and from the Jews (1Th 2:14-16) the converts "received the word with joy of the Holy Spirit."
His stay at Thessalonica was probably longer than the three weeks recorded in Ac 17:2, for some time is implied in his labouring there for support (1Th 2:9; 2Th 3:8), in his receiving supplies there more than once from Philippi (Php 4:16), in his receiving many converts from the Gentiles (1Th 1:9, and, according to the Alexandrinus manuscript of Ac 17:4, though not the Sinaiticus and Vaticanus manuscripts, "of the devout (and) of the Greeks a great multitude"), and in his appointing ministers. He probably (compare Ac 13:46; 18:6-7; 19:8-9) preached first to the Jews; then, when they rejected the message, to the Gentiles. Thenceforth he held the church assemblies in the house of Jason (Ac 17:5), his "kinsman" (Ro 16:21). His tender love and gentleness, like that of "a nurse cherishing children," disinterestedness, devotion even unto death, and zeal for individual souls, beautifully appear in 1Th 1:5; 2:1-11.
He laboured here with his own hands to further the gospel by giving an example to the idle. Contributions from Philippi also helped him at, Thessalonica (Php 4:15-16). Christ's coming and kingdom were his chief topic (1Th 1:10; 2:12,19; 3:13; 4:13-18; 5:1-11,23-24), that the Thessalonians should walk worthy of it (1Th 4:1). It is an undesigned coincidence confirming the authenticity of the history and of the epistles that the very charge which Jason's assailants brought against the brethren was "these do contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus" (Ac 17:5-9). So in Jesus' own case they perverted His doctrine of His coming kingdom into a charge of treason against Caesar. So also the doctrine of the resurrection is prominent both in Luke's history (Ac 17:3) and in Paul's independent epistle (1Th 1:10; 4:14-16).
Paul and Silas had to flee by night to Berea; but the church and ministers had been constituted, and the Thessalonians became missionaries virtually themselves (for which the city's commerce gave facilities) both by word and by example, the report of which had reached Macedonia where Paul had been, and Achaia where he now was, at Corinth (1Th 1:7-8). From Berea Paul, after having planted a Scripture-loving church. was obliged to flee by the Thessalonian Jews who followed him there Timothy (who apparently came to Berea separately from Paul and Silas; compare Ac 17:10 with Ac 17:14) and Silas remained there still, when Paul proceeded by sea to Athens. While at Athens Paul longed to visit the Thessalonians again, and see their spiritual state, and "perfect that which was lacking in their faith" (1Th 3:10); but "Satan (through the instrumentality of the Thessalonian Jews probably, Joh 13:27) hindered" him (1Th 2:18; Ac 17:13).
He therefore sent Timothy, who followed him apparently to Athens from Berea (Ac 17:15), and immediately on his arrival at Athens to Thessalonica (1Th 3:1). Much as he would have desired Timothy's help against his Athenian opponents, he determined to forego it for the sake of the Thessalonian church. Silas does not appear to have come to Paul at Athens at all, though Paul had desired him and Timothy to "come to him with all speed" (Ac 17:15), but with Timothy (who from Thessalonica called for him at Berea) joined Paul at Corinth first (Ac 18:1,5; "when Silas and Timothy were come from Macedonia".) The epistle mentions Timothy at Athens (1Th 3:12), but not Silas. Timothy "brought good tidings of the Thessalonian church's faith and love, and good remembrance of Paul, and desire to see him" as he desired to see them (1Th 3:6-10). Their defect was the exclusive dwelling of some on Christ's kingdom to such a degree as to neglect present duties (1Th 4:11-12).
Some who had lost relatives by death doubted whether they who died before Christ's coming would share with those found alive, in His kingdom then to be revealed. Some had been quarrelsome and revengeful (1Th 5:13,15); others had even relapsed into pagan lusts, fornication, and adultery (1Th 4:3-10). Some were insubordinate toward ministers, and slighted the manifestations of the Spirit in those possessing His gifts as "prophesyings" (1Th 5:12-13,19-20). To correct these defects, to praise their graces, and to testify his love, is Paul's aim in this epistle. The place of writing was Corinth, where Timothy, with Silas, rejoined Paul (Ac 18:5).
THE TIME OF WRITING. Soon after Timothy's arrival with tidings of their state (1Th 2:17; 3:6), in the autumn A.D. 52. Paul wrote in the winter of that year, or else early in A.D. 53 at the beginning of his stay of one year and a half at Corinth (Ac 18:11). (Timothy had been sent probably from Athens to inquire: 1Th 3:1-2). For it was written not long after the conversion of the Thessalonians (1Th 1:8-9), while Paul could speak of himself as only "taken from them for a short season" (1Th 2:17). Hence, it was first in date of all Paul's extant epistles. Paul, Silas, and Timothy, the three founders of the Thessalonion church, stand at its head in the inscription. "We" is written everywhere except in 1Th 2:18; 3:5; 5:27; "we" is the true reading in 1Th 4:13. The KJV "I" in 1Th 4:9; 5:1-23, is not in the original.
STYLE. Calm, practical, and uncontroversial, because he takes for granted the doctrinal truths, which were not yet controverted. Simple, less intense, and less marked by sudden turns of thought.
GROUPING OF PAUL'S EPISTLES. Impassioned argument and vehement feeling were reserved for subsequent epistles, which had to deal with fundamental errors of doctrine, as Judaizing legalism. The second group of epistles, Corinthians, Romans, and Galatians, five years later, in opposition to the latter, unfold the cardinal doctrines of grace and justification by faith. Still later, the epistles from his Roman prison, Ephesians, Colossians, and Philippians confirm the same. Last of all, the pastoral epistles suit the church's developed ecclesiastical constitution, and direct as to bishops and deacons, and correct abuses and errors of later growth. His opponents in 1 Thessalonians are Jews (1Th 2:16); but in the second group Judaizing Christians. The gospel preached in the epistles to the Thessalonians is that of Christ's coming kingdom rather than the cross; for the former best met the Messianic hopes which won Jewish believers to the Christian faith; it also especially comforted the infant church under trials, and in the sacrifice of worldly pleasure and gain. The healthy condition of all the Macedonian churches accounts for the close resemblance between this epistle and the epistle to Philippians, written ten years subsequently. Hence in both he begins with warm commendations, and drops the official title of "apostle" in the salutation.
DIVISION. The same prayer ("may God Himself," etc.) recurring at 1Th 3:11-13, and 1Th 5:24, (translated "may the God of peace Himself," etc.,) apparently marks the close of the two divisions.
PERSONS ADDRESSED. The prevalence of the Gentile element in them appears from the entire absence of quotations from the Old Testament in these two epistles; also from the address being to pe
See Verses Found in Dictionary
Then after the bread, Satan entered into him. Jesus said to him, "What you are going to do, do quickly."
Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly and said, "It was necessary that the word of God be spoken to you first. Since you reject it and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, behold, we turn to the Gentiles.
Paul wanted this man to accompany him; and he took him and circumcised him because of the Jews who were in those places, for they all knew that his father was a Greek.
Now when they had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica, where there was a synagogue of the Jews. And Paul went in, as was his custom, and for three weeks he reasoned with them from the scriptures,
And Paul went in, as was his custom, and for three weeks he reasoned with them from the scriptures, explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ."
explaining and proving that the Christ had to suffer and rise again from the dead, and saying, "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming to you is the Christ." And some of them were persuaded, and joined Paul and Silas; as did a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and not a few of the leading women.
And some of them were persuaded, and joined Paul and Silas; as did a large number of the God-fearing Greeks and not a few of the leading women. But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men from the market place, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; they attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the people.
But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men from the market place, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; they attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the people.
But the Jews were jealous, and taking some wicked men from the market place, they formed a mob and set the city in an uproar; they attacked the house of Jason, seeking to bring them out to the people. When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also,
When they did not find them, they dragged Jason and some of the brethren before the city authorities, shouting, "These men who have turned the world upside down have come here also, and Jason has welcomed them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus."
and Jason has welcomed them, and they are all acting against the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, Jesus." The crowd and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard this.
The crowd and the city authorities were disturbed when they heard this. And when they had taken a pledge from Jason and the others, they let them go.
And when they had taken a pledge from Jason and the others, they let them go. The brethren immediately sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea, and when they arrived, they went into the Jewish synagogue.
But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that the word of God was proclaimed by Paul in Berea also, they came there too, agitating and stirring up the crowds. Then the brethren immediately sent Paul out to go as far as the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there.
Then the brethren immediately sent Paul out to go as far as the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained there. Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.
Now those who escorted Paul brought him as far as Athens; and receiving a command for Silas and Timothy to come to him as soon as possible, they left.
After this he left Athens and went to Corinth.
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ.
When Silas and Timothy came from Macedonia, Paul devoted himself exclusively to preaching, testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Christ. But when they opposed him and blasphemed, he shook out his garments and said to them, "Your blood be on your own heads! I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." read more. Then he left there and went to the house of a man named Titius Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house was next door to the synagogue.
And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
And he stayed a year and six months, teaching the word of God among them.
After this Paul stayed many days longer, and then took leave of the brethren and sailed for Syria, and with him were Priscilla and Aquila. In Cenchrea he had his hair cut, for he had taken a vow.
And he entered the synagogue and for three months spoke boldly, arguing and persuading about the kingdom of God. But when some were stubborn and disbelieved, speaking evil of the Way before the congregation, he withdrew from them, and took the disciples with him, reasoning daily in the hall of Tyrannus.
And having sent into Macedonia two of his helpers, Timothy and Erastus, he himself stayed in Asia for a while.
He was accompanied by Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus, and by Aristarchus and Secundus of the Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of Asia.
And embarking in a ship from Adramyttium, which was about to sail to the ports along the coast of Asia, we put out to sea, accompanied by Aristarchus, a Macedonian from Thessalonica.
For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and wickedness of men who by their wickedness suppress the truth,
Timothy, my fellow worker, greets you, as do Lucius, and Jason, and Sosipater, my kinsmen.
You yourselves also know, Philippians, that in the first preaching of the gospel, when I left Macedonia, no church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving except you only; for even in Thessalonica you sent me a gift once and again for my needs.
for even in Thessalonica you sent me a gift once and again for my needs.
See to it that no one takes you captive through philosophy and empty deception, according to human tradition, according to the elementary principles of the world, rather than according to Christ.
Therefore let no one judge you in questions of food or drink or with regard to a festival or a new moon or a Sabbath day.
My fellow prisoner Aristarchus sends you his greetings, and also Mark, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you have received instructions; if he comes to you, welcome him.)
Paul, Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: grace and peace to you.
For we know, brethren beloved by God, that he has chosen you; for our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction. You know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake. read more. You became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit; so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia. For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we have no need to say anything.
For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God,
For they themselves report about us what kind of a reception we had with you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve a living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead Jesus, who rescues us from the wrath to come.
For you yourselves know, brethren, that our visit to you was not in vain; but after we had already suffered and been shamefully treated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in the face of great opposition.
but after we had already suffered and been shamefully treated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in the face of great opposition. For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity, nor is it made with deceit; read more. but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not to please men, but to please God who tests our hearts. For, as you know, we never used flattery nor a pretext for greed God is witness nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, though we might have made demands as apostles of Christ. But we were gentle among you, like a mother nursing her little children.
But we were gentle among you, like a mother nursing her little children. Having so fond an affection for you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become very dear to us. read more. For you remember our labor and toil, brethren; we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we preached to you the gospel of God.
For you remember our labor and toil, brethren; we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we preached to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and righteous and blameless we behaved toward you believers; read more. for you know how, as a father with his own children, we exhorted each one of you and encouraged you and charged you to live a life worthy of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory. And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe. For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which are in Judea, for you suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they did from the Jews, who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men,
who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to all men, hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last.
hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last.
hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved; with the result that they always fill up the measure of their sins. But wrath has come upon them at last. But since we were taken away from you, brethren, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face.
But since we were taken away from you, brethren, for a short time, in person not in heart, we endeavored the more eagerly and with great desire to see you face to face. For we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, again and againbut Satan hindered us.
For we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, again and againbut Satan hindered us.
For we wanted to come to you, I, Paul, again and againbut Satan hindered us. For who is our hope or joy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at his coming?
Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone,
Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone,
Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone, and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
and we sent Timothy, our brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, so that no one would be unsettled by these afflictions. You yourselves know that we have been destined for this. read more. For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know. For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.
For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain. But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, just as we long to see you
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, just as we long to see you
But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us the good news of your faith and love and reported that you always remember us kindly and long to see us, just as we long to see you for this reason, brethren, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; read more. for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can we render to God for you in return for all the joy which we feel for your sake before our God, as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith?
as we night and day keep praying most earnestly that we may see you face to face and supply what is lacking in your faith? Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you; read more. and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you,
and may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you, so that he may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
so that he may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
so that he may establish your hearts without blame in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints.
Finally, brethren, we request and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God, just as you are doing, you do so more and more.
For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that is, that you should abstain from sexual immorality; that each one of you know how to take his own spouse for himself in holiness and honor, read more. not in the passion of lust like the heathen, who do not know God;
not in the passion of lust like the heathen, who do not know God; and that no man transgress and wrong his brother in this matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you. read more. For God has not called us to impurity, but to holiness. Therefore, he who rejects this instruction does not reject man but God, who gives you his Holy Spirit. Now concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another;
Now concerning love of the brethren you have no need to have any one write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another; and indeed you do love all the brethren throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brethren, to do so more and more. read more. Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands, just as we told you, so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anyone. But we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.
But we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.
But we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope. For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus.
For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep in Jesus. For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep.
For this we declare to you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself will descend from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first.
For the Lord himself will descend from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we shall always be with the Lord. read more. Therefore comfort one another with these words.
Now as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you.
Now as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you.
Now as to the times and the seasons, brethren, you have no need to have anything written to you. For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.
For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night. While people are saying, "Peace and safety," then destruction will come upon them suddenly as labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape.
While people are saying, "Peace and safety," then destruction will come upon them suddenly as labor pains upon a woman with child, and they will not escape. But you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
But you, brethren, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief. For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness.
For you are all sons of light and sons of the day; we are not of the night or of darkness. So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us be alert and sober.
So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us be alert and sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.
For those who sleep, sleep at night; and those who get drunk, get drunk at night. But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation.
But, since we belong to the day, let us be sober, and put on the breastplate of faith and love, and as a helmet the hope of salvation. For God has not destined us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ,
For God has not destined us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him.
who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with him. Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing.
Therefore encourage one another and build up one another, just as you also are doing. But we ask you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you,
But we ask you, brethren, to respect those who labor among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you, and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another.
and that you esteem them very highly in love because of their work. Live in peace with one another. And we urge you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
And we urge you, brethren, admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone. See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all.
See that none of you repays evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to all. Rejoice always, read more. pray without ceasing,
pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God's will for you in Christ Jesus. read more. Do not quench the Spirit;
Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophecies.
do not despise prophecies. But test everything; hold fast to what is good. read more. Abstain from every form of evil. Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you entirely; and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
He who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.
I charge you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brethren.
We ought to give thanks to God always for you, brethren, as is fitting, because your faith is growing abundantly, and the love of every one of you for one another is increasing.
inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
inflicting vengeance on those who do not know God and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They will suffer the punishment of eternal destruction and exclusion from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of his power, read more. when he comes to be glorified in his saints on that day, and to be marveled at among all who have believedbecause our testimony to you was believed.
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to him, we beg you, brethren, not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come.
not to be quickly shaken in mind or excited, either by spirit or by word, or by letter as if from us, to the effect that the day of the Lord has come. Let no one deceive you in any way; for that day will not come, unless the rebellion comes first, and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the son of destruction,
Do you not remember that when I was still with you I told you these things?
And then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will slay with the breath of his mouth and destroy by the splendor of his coming. The coming of the lawless one by the activity of Satan will be with all power and with pretended signs and wonders,
Finally, brethren, pray for us that the word of the Lord may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it did also with you, and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not all have faith.
and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not all have faith.
and that we may be delivered from wicked and evil men; for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen and protect you from the evil one. read more. And we have confidence in the Lord about you, that you are doing and will continue to do the things which we command. May the Lord direct your hearts into the love of God and into the steadfastness of Christ. Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who is living in idleness and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who is living in idleness and not according to the tradition which you received from us.
Now we command you, brethren, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you keep away from every brother who is living in idleness and not according to the tradition which you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you,
For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example. We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you.
nor did we eat anyone's bread without paying for it, but with labor and hardship we worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow.
We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help, but in order to make ourselves an example for you to follow. For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If anyone will not work, he shall not eat."
For even when we were with you, we gave you this rule: "If anyone will not work, he shall not eat." For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, not doing any work at all, but acting like busybodies.
For we hear that some among you are leading an undisciplined life, not doing any work at all, but acting like busybodies. Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and earn their own bread to eat.
Now such persons we command and exhort in the Lord Jesus Christ to work in quiet fashion and earn their own bread to eat. But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good.
But as for you, brethren, do not grow weary of doing good. If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed.
If anyone does not obey our instruction in this letter, take special note of that person and do not associate with him, so that he may be ashamed. Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother.
Yet do not regard him as an enemy, but warn him as a brother. Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times in every way. The Lord be with you all. read more. I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. This is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write.
and so do Mark, Aristarchus, Demas, and Luke, my fellow workers.