For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we were among you for your benefit,

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit with you was not without result.

On the contrary, after we had previously suffered, and we were treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy motives—God is our witness—

As you know, like a father with his own children,

Therefore, when we could no longer stand it, we thought it was better to be left alone in Athens.

so that no one will be shaken by these persecutions. For you yourselves know that we are appointed to this.

In fact, when we were with you, we told you previously that we were going to suffer persecution, and as you know, it happened.

For this reason, when I could no longer stand it, I also sent him to find out about your faith, fearing that the tempter had tempted you and that our labor might be for nothing.

But now Timothy has come to us from you and brought us good news about your faith and love and reported that you always have good memories of us, wanting to see us, as we also want to see you.

For now we live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

Now may our God and Father Himself, and our Lord Jesus, direct our way to you.

For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

not with lustful desires, like the Gentiles who don’t know God.

We do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, concerning those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

For we say this to you by a revelation from the Lord: We who are still alive at the Lord’s coming will certainly have no advantage over those who have fallen asleep.

For you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

Now we ask you, brothers, to give recognition to those who labor among you and lead you in the Lord and admonish you,

See to it that no one repays evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely. And may your spirit, soul, and body be kept sound and blameless for the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.