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.

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 you yourselves know, brothers, that my visit to you did not fail of its purpose;

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.

You know how I was wont to treat each of you as a father treats his children,

And so, when I could no longer bear it, I made up my mind to be left behind at Athens, all alone.

So that no one should be shaken by these troubles??or you know well that we are appointed to troubles.

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.

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.

For now I am really living, if you are standing firm in the Lord.

Now may our God and Father himself, and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct my path to you.

For you know what charges I laid upon you through the Lord Jesus.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.