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
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So when he had dipped the bread, he took it and gave it to Judas Iscariot, son of Simon. And after he had received the piece of bread, Satan entered into him. "What you do, do quickly," said Jesus.
So Paul and Barnabas spoke out boldly. "It was necessary," they said, "first to proclaim the word of God to you. But since you push it away from you, and judge yourselves unworthy of eternal life, lo, we turn to the Gentiles.
Now Paul, wishing that this man should accompany him on his journey, took him and circumcised him because of the local Jews, who all knew that his father was a Greek.
Now when they had gone through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica. Here there was a Jewish synagogue, and Paul, according to his usual custom, went in to them and, for three Sabbath Days, he reasoned with them out of the Scriptures,
and Paul, according to his usual custom, went in to them and, for three Sabbath Days, he reasoned with them out of the Scriptures, explaining and quoting passages to prove that the Messiah had to suffer and to rise again from the dead and that "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming unto you is the Messiah."
explaining and quoting passages to prove that the Messiah had to suffer and to rise again from the dead and that "This Jesus whom I am proclaiming unto you is the Messiah." Some were persuaded and attached themselves to Paul and Silas, including a number of devout Greeks, and a large number of the leading women.
Some were persuaded and attached themselves to Paul and Silas, including a number of devout Greeks, and a large number of the leading women. But the Jews, moved with jealousy, called to their aid certain ill-favored and idle fellows, formed a mob, and began to set the town in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people.
But the Jews, moved with jealousy, called to their aid certain ill-favored and idle fellows, formed a mob, and began to set the town in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people.
But the Jews, moved with jealousy, called to their aid certain ill-favored and idle fellows, formed a mob, and began to set the town in an uproar. Assaulting the house of Jason, they sought to bring them out to the people. And when they had failed to find Paul and Silas, they began to drag Jason and some of the brethren before the politarchs, shouting. "These fellows who have upset the habitable earth are come hither also.
And when they had failed to find Paul and Silas, they began to drag Jason and some of the brethren before the politarchs, shouting. "These fellows who have upset the habitable earth are come hither also.
And when they had failed to find Paul and Silas, they began to drag Jason and some of the brethren before the politarchs, shouting. "These fellows who have upset the habitable earth are come hither also. "Jason has received them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus."
"Jason has received them, and they all act contrary to the decrees of Caesar, saying that there is another king, one Jesus." Both the crowd and the politarchs were disturbed when they heard this,
Both the crowd and the politarchs were disturbed when they heard this, but when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go.
but when they had taken security from Jason and the rest, they let them go. Now the brothers sent Paul and Silas away by night to Berea. When they got there they betook themselves to the Jewish synagogue.
As soon as the Jews in Thessalonica learned that the word of God was preached by Paul in Berea also, they came there, and stirred up and troubled the crowds. Then the brothers at once sent Paul down to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained behind.
Then the brothers at once sent Paul down to the sea, but Silas and Timothy remained behind. Those who were caring for Paul brought him as far as Athens, and there left him, with instructions to Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed.
Those who were caring for Paul brought him as far as Athens, and there left him, with instructions to Silas and Timothy to come to him with all speed.
And when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was engrossed in his message, earnestly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah.
And when Silas and Timothy arrived from Macedonia, Paul was engrossed in his message, earnestly testifying to the Jews that Jesus was the Messiah. But as they opposed him and abused him, he shook out his garments in protest, and said: "Your blood be upon your own hands. I am clean. From now on I will go to the Gentiles." read more. So he left the place, and went into the house of a man named Titus Justus, a worshiper of God, whose house adjoined the synagogue.
So he lived there a year and six months and continued to teach them the word of God.
So he lived there a year and six months and continued to teach them the word of God.
And Paul after remaining in Corinth some time longer, took leave of the brothers, and sailed away to Syria, accompanied by Priscilla and Aquila. As Paul was under a vow, he had his head shaved at Cenchrea.
Then Paul went into the synagogue, and there continued to preach fearlessly for about three months, reasoning and persuading them about the kingdom of God. But when some grew hardened and disobedient, and spoke evil of the Way before the crowd, he left them, withdrew the disciples, and continued to hold discussions daily in the lecture-hall of Tyrannus.
So he sent two of his assistants, Timothy and Erastus, into Macedonia, while he himself kept back for a time on his way into Asia.
There accompanied him as far as Asia, Sopater of Berea, the son of Pyrrhus; and of the Thessalonians, Aristarchus and Secundus; and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy; and the Asians, Tychicus and Trophimus.
We embarked in a ship of Adramyttium which was about to sail to the ports of the province of Asia, and put to sea. Aristarchus, a Macedonian of Thessalonica, accompanied us.
For God's wrath is ever being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who smother the truth by their unrighteousness.
Timothy, my fellow worker, salutes you; so do my fellow countrymen Lucius, Jason, and Sosipater.
And you very well know, Philippians, that in the beginning of the gospel, when I had left Macedonia, no church but yourselves had fellowship with me in the matter of giving and receiving. For even while I was still in Thessalonica, you sent once and again for my needs.
For even while I was still in Thessalonica, you sent once and again for my needs.
Take care lest any man drag you away captive by his philosophy which is a vain deceit, following the traditions of men and the world's crude notions, and not Christ.
Therefore do not permit any one to sit in judgment on you in regard to what you may eat or drink, or in regard to feast-days or new moons or sabbaths.
Aristarchus, my fellow prisoner, salutes you, and Marcus, the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions; if he comes to you, make him welcome), and Jesus surnamed Justas.
Paul and Silas and Timothy. To the church of the Thessalonians which is in God our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ. Grace be to you, and peace.
For I know, O brothers, beloved of God, that he has chosen you; 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. read more. Moreover, you began to follow the pattern I set you, and the Lord's also, receiving the word with joy in the Holy Spirit, although amid severe persecution. Thus you became a pattern to all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia. 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.
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. For others, of their own accord, tell about the welcome I had from you, and how you turned to God from your idols, to be slaved of a true and living God,
For others, of their own accord, tell about the welcome I had from you, and how you turned to God from your idols, to be slaved of a true and living God,
For others, of their own accord, tell about the welcome I had from you, and how you turned to God from your idols, to be slaved of a true and living God,
For others, of their own accord, tell about the welcome I had from you, and how you turned to God from your idols, to be slaved of a true and living God, and to await for the coming of his Son from the heavens, the Son whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, our Deliverer from the wrath to come.
and to await for the coming of his Son from the heavens, the Son whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, our Deliverer from the wrath to come.
and to await for the coming of his Son from the heavens, the Son whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, our Deliverer from the wrath to come.
For you yourselves know, brothers, that my visit to you did not fail of its purpose; for you remember that although I had already borne ill-treatment and insult at Philippi, I took courage in my God to tell you the gospel of God, in the face of much opposition.
for you remember that although I had already borne ill-treatment and insult at Philippi, I took courage in my God to tell you the gospel of God, in the face of much opposition. For my preaching was not grounded on a delusion, or on impure motives, on in deceit. read more. 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. For as you well know, I never resorted to flattery, nor to any pretext for enriching myself. God is my witness! Now was I seeking glory from men, either yourselves or others, although I might have exercised authority as Christ's apostle. On the contrary I showed myself among you as gentle as a mother, when she tenderly nurses her own children.
On the contrary I showed myself among you as gentle as a mother, when she tenderly nurses her own children. 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. read more. You recall, brothers, my labor and toil; how, while working at my trade day and night, so as not to become a burden to any of you, I proclaimed to you the gospel of God.
You recall, brothers, my labor and toil; how, while working at my trade day and night, so as not to become a burden to any of you, I proclaimed to you the gospel of God. You are witnesses??nd so is God??ow pure and just and blameless was my behavior among you believers. read more. You know how I was wont to treat each of you as a father treats his children, exhorting and imploring and adjuring each one among you to lead a life worthy of the God who called you into his own kingdom and glory. 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. For you, brothers, began to follow the example of the churches of God in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus; and you in your turn suffered at the hands of your fellow citizens persecutions like to those which they endured from the Jews??15 The men who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out??hey are displeasing to God, and are the enemies of all mankind.
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!
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!
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.
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 that reason I would fain have visited you??, Paul, again and again??ut Satan hindered me.
For that reason I would fain have visited you??, Paul, again and again??ut Satan hindered me.
For that reason I would fain have visited you??, Paul, again and again??ut Satan hindered me. 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!
And so, when I could no longer bear it, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens, all alone.
And so, when I could no longer bear it, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens, all alone.
And so, when I could no longer bear it, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens, all alone. I sent Timothy, my brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to hearten you in your faith.
I sent Timothy, my brother and God's fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen you and to hearten you in your faith. So that no one should be shaken by these troubles??or you know well that we are appointed to troubles. read more. For even when I was with you I used to tell you beforehand that I was to suffer affliction; and so it proved, as you know. So, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that my labor had been in vain.
So, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that my labor had been in vain.
So, when I could no longer endure it, I sent to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that my labor had been in vain. 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.
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.
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. I have been comforted, my brothers, in regard to you, in spite of all my distress and affliction over your faith. read more. For now I am really living, if you are standing firm in the Lord. For what thanksgiving can I render again to God in your behalf, in return for all the joy which you cause me in the presence of my God? Night and day I am praying earnestly that I may see you face to face, and may perfect whatever is yet lacking in your faith.
Night and day I am praying earnestly that I may see you face to face, and may perfect whatever is yet lacking in your faith. Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct my path to you. read more. Meanwhile, may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, even as I do toward you.
Meanwhile, may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, even as I do toward you. And so may he establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus, with all his saints.
And so may he establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus, with all his saints.
And so may he establish your hearts unblameable in holiness before our God and Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus, with all his saints.
Finally then, my brothers, I continue to beseech and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you learned of me how to walk so as to please God??nd you are actually doing so??hat you abound in it yet more and more.
For this is God's will, even your sanctification; that you should abstain from sexual vice. That each one should learn how to take a wife in purity and honor. read more. Not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles who know not God.
Not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles who know not God. That no man overreach or take advantage of his brother in such matters, because "the Lord takes vengeance" in all these things, as also I repeatedly forewarned you and testified to you. read more. 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. It is not needed that I should write to you about brotherly love; for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.
It is not needed that I should write to you about brotherly love; for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another. As indeed you do love all the brothers in Macedonia. But I exhort you, brothers, to abound in this yet more. read more. Also, that you endeavor to live quietly and to mind your own business, and to work with your hands (as I charged you). So that your conduct may be seemly toward those that are without, and that you may not need help from any man. 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 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 I would not have you ignorant, brothers, about those who are falling asleep. You must not sorrow like other men, who have no hope. For if we really believe that Jesus died and rose again, so even so will God through Jesus bring with him those also who have fallen asleep.
For if we really believe that Jesus died and rose again, so even so will God through Jesus bring with him those also who have fallen asleep. For this I tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are living, who survive unto the coming of the Lord, will in no wise precede those who have fallen asleep.
For this I tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are living, who survive unto the coming of the Lord, will in no wise precede those who have fallen asleep. For the Lord himself with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven. Then the dead in Christ will rise first.
For the Lord himself with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God will descend from heaven. Then the dead in Christ will rise first. And afterwards we who are alive, who remain, shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air; and so shall we ever be with the Lord. read more. So comfort one another with these words.
Now as to the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.
Now as to the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.
Now as to the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you. You yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.
You yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.
You yourselves know perfectly that the Day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night. While men are saying "Peace and safety," then, like birth-pangs upon a woman with child, destruction will come upon them suddenly. In no wise will they escape.
While men are saying "Peace and safety," then, like birth-pangs upon a woman with child, destruction will come upon them suddenly. In no wise will they escape. But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that "the Day" should come upon you like a bandit.
But you, brothers, are not in darkness, that "the Day" should come upon you like a bandit. For you are all sons of light, and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness.
For you are all sons of light, and sons of day. We are not of night nor of darkness. So then let us not be sleeping as do the rest, but let us be watchful and self-controlled.
So then let us not be sleeping as do the rest, but let us be watchful and self-controlled. For those who are sleeping, sleep in the night, and those who are drunken, are drunken in the night.
For those who are sleeping, sleep in the night, and those who are drunken, are drunken in the night. 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.
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.
For God did not appoint us to wrath, but to win salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ. He died for us, in order that whether we are keeping vigil in life or sleeping in death we may ever be living together with him.
He died for us, in order that whether we are keeping vigil in life or sleeping in death we may ever be living together with him. So comfort one another, and try to build one another up, as indeed you are doing.
So comfort one another, and try to build one another up, as indeed you are doing. I entreat you, brothers, to acknowledge those who are toiling among you and are your leaders in the Lord, and give you counsel.
I entreat you, brothers, to acknowledge those who are toiling among you and are your leaders in the Lord, and give you counsel. Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Live in peace among yourselves.
Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Live in peace among yourselves.
Esteem them very highly in love for their work's sake. Live in peace among yourselves. And, brothers, we urge you to admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, sustain the weak, lose patience with none.
And, brothers, we urge you to admonish the disorderly, comfort the faint-hearted, sustain the weak, lose patience with none. Take care that none of you ever return evil for evil, but always pursue what is kind to one another and to all.
Take care that none of you ever return evil for evil, but always pursue what is kind to one another and to all. Always be joyful. read more. Pray without ceasing.
Pray without ceasing. Give thanks in every circumstance, for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. read more. Quench not the Spirit.
Quench not the Spirit. Do not despise prophesyings.
Do not despise prophesyings. But try all, holding fast to the good. read more. Hold aloof from every form of evil. May the God of peace consecrate you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept altogether faultless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May the God of peace consecrate you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept altogether faultless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.
May the God of peace consecrate you wholly; and may your spirit and soul and body be kept altogether faultless until the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful; he will fulfil my prayer.
He who calls you is faithful; he will fulfil my prayer.
I adjure you, in the name of the Lord, to have this letter read to all the brothers.
I ought always to thank God for you, brothers, as is fitting because of the abundant growth of your faith and of the overflowing love with which every one of you is filled toward one another.
in flaming fire. Then shall he take vengeance on those who know not God, even on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
in flaming fire. Then shall he take vengeance on those who know not God, even on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. They shall suffer punishment, even an eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord, and from the brightness of his glorious majesty, read more. when he comes to be glorified in his saints, and to be wondered at in all believers, on that Day; (for you also believed our testimony).
Now concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our gathering together to meet him, I entreat you, brothers, not to be "quickly shaken out of your wits" and not to be agitated either by a spirit or by a message, or by an epistle purporting to be from me, saying, "The Day of the Lord is at hand."
not to be "quickly shaken out of your wits" and not to be agitated either by a spirit or by a message, or by an epistle purporting to be from me, saying, "The Day of the Lord is at hand."
not to be "quickly shaken out of your wits" and not to be agitated either by a spirit or by a message, or by an epistle purporting to be from me, saying, "The Day of the Lord is at hand." Let no one deceive you by any means. For it will not come until after the Great Apostasy, and the revealing of the Man of Sin, the son of perdition,
and then the lawless one will be revealed. Him the Lord will consume with the breath of his lips, and destroy with the brightness of his appearing; even he whose coming is according to the energy of Satan, in every power and sign and lying wonder,
Finally, brothers, pray on for me, that God's word may run swiftly, and be glorified as in your own case, and that I may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all do not hold the faith.
and that I may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all do not hold the faith.
and that I may be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men; for all do not hold the faith. But the Lord is faithful; he will stablish you and guard you from the Evil One. read more. Now we have fully fixed our faith on you in the Lord, that you are doing and will continue to do what we enjoin. May the Lord incline your hearts to the love of God and to the stedfastness of Christ. I summon you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who leads an idle and disorderly life, which is not according to the rule you received from me.
I summon you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who leads an idle and disorderly life, which is not according to the rule you received from me.
I summon you, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to shun any brother who leads an idle and disorderly life, which is not according to the rule you received from me. For you know well how you must imitate me. For I did not lead an idle or disorderly life among you;
For you know well how you must imitate me. For I did not lead an idle or disorderly life among you; I did not eat my food as a gift from any man, but in toil and travail, night and day, I worked, so that I might not be a burden to any of you.
I did not eat my food as a gift from any man, but in toil and travail, night and day, I worked, so that I might not be a burden to any of you. Not that I have no right to such support; it was simply to give you an example for you to imitate.
Not that I have no right to such support; it was simply to give you an example for you to imitate. For indeed when I was with you, I used to charge you, "If any man will not work, he shall not eat."
For indeed when I was with you, I used to charge you, "If any man will not work, he shall not eat." But I hear that there are those of your number who are leading idle and disorderly lives, who are not busy, but mere busybodies.
But I hear that there are those of your number who are leading idle and disorderly lives, who are not busy, but mere busybodies. Now all such I command and entreat, by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, to work in quietness. and to earn their own living.
Now all such I command and entreat, by the authority of the Lord Jesus Christ, to work in quietness. and to earn their own living. But you, brothers, must not grow weary in well-doing.
But you, brothers, must not grow weary in well-doing. If any man does not give heed to what I have said in this letter, mark that man; do not associate with him, so as to make him feel ashamed;
If any man does not give heed to what I have said in this letter, mark that man; do not associate with him, so as to make him feel ashamed;
If any man does not give heed to what I have said in this letter, mark that man; do not associate with him, so as to make him feel ashamed; and yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother.
and yet do not count him as an enemy, but admonish him as a brother. And may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all. read more. I, Paul, add this greeting in my own handwriting, which is my token in every letter. Thus I write??18 The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.