We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen,

and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

For you yourselves know, brothers, our visit to you was not in vain,

but having suffered before and been shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we grew bold in our God to tell you the Good News of God in much conflict.

For neither were we at any time found using words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness (God is witness),

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

that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task.

For truly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction, even as it happened, and you know.

For this cause I also, when I could not stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.

But when Timothy came just now to us from you, and brought us glad news of your faith and love, and that you have good memories of us always, longing to see us, even as we also long to see you;

For now we live, since 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 instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

that each one of you know how to possess himself of his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

not in the passion of lust, even as the Gentiles who do not know God;

that no one should take advantage of and wrong a brother or sister in this matter; because the Lord is an avenger in all these things, as also we forewarned you and testified.

But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.

For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.

For when they are saying, "Peace and safety," then sudden destruction will come on them, like birth pains on a pregnant woman; and they will in no way escape.

But we beg you, brothers, to know those who labor among you, and are over you in the Lord, and admonish you,

See that no one returns evil for evil to anyone, but always follow after that which is good, for one another, and for all.