Because the Good News that we brought came home to you, not merely as so many words, but with a power and a fulness of conviction due to the Holy Spirit. For you know the life that we lived among you for your good.

And you yourselves began to follow, not only our example, but the Master's also; and, in spite of much suffering, you welcomed the Message with a joy inspired by the Holy Spirit,

But, having been found worthy by God to be entrusted with the Good News, therefore we tell it; with a view to please, not men, but God who proves our hearts.

But we lived among you with the simplicity of a child; we were like a woman nursing her own children.

In our strong affection for you, that seemed to us the best way of sharing with you, not only God's Good news, but our very lives as well--so dear had you become to us.

This, too, is a reason why we, on our part, are continually thanking God--because, in receiving the teaching that you had from us, you accepted it, not as the teaching of man, but as what it really is--the teaching of God, which is even now doing its work within you who believe in Christ.

For they would prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles with a view to their Salvation, and thus are always 'filling up the measure of their iniquity.' But the Wrath of God has come upon them to the full!

That was why we made up our minds to go and see you--at least I, Paul, did, more than once--but Satan put difficulties in our way.

But, when Timothy recently returned to us from you with good news of your faith and love, and told us how kindly you think of us--always longing, he said, to see us, just as we are longing to see you--

For God's Call to us does not permit of an impure life, but demands purity.

Therefore he who disregards this warning disregards, not man, but God who gives you his Holy Spirit.

But as to the times and the moments, there is no need, Brothers, for any one to write to you.

But let us, who belong to the Day, control ourselves, and put on faith and love as a breast plate, and the hope of Salvation as a helmet.

For God destined us, not for Wrath, but to win Salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us,

Take care that none of you ever pays back wrong for wrong, but always follow the kindest course with one another and with every one.