Brothers, whom God loves, we know that he has chosen you,

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.

For it was from you that the Lord's Message resounded throughout Macedonia and Greece; and, more than that, your faith in God has become known far and wide; so that there is no need for us to say another word.

And are now awaiting the return from Heaven of his Son whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, our deliverer from the Coming Wrath.

Yes, Brothers, you yourselves know that your reception of us was not without result.

For, although we had experienced suffering and ill-treatment, as you know, at Philippi, we had the courage, by the help of our God, to tell you God's Good News in spite of great opposition.

Never at any time, as you know, did we use the language of flattery, or make false professions in order to hide selfish aims. God will bear witness to that.

Indeed, you know that, like a father with his own children, we used to encourage and comfort every one of you, and solemnly plead with you;

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.

And so, as we could bear it no longer, we made up our minds to remain behind alone at Athens,

So that none of you should be shaken by the troubles through which you are passing. You yourselves know that we are destined to meet with such things.

For, even while we were with you, we warned you beforehand that we were certain to encounter trouble. And so it proved, as you know.

Therefore, since I could no longer endure the uncertainty, I sent to make inquiries about your faith, fearing that the Tempter had tempted you, and that our toil might prove to have been in vain.

For it is new life to us to know that you are holding fast to the Lord.

And not for the mere gratification of his passions, like the Gentiles who know nothing of God;

As to love for the Brethren there is no need to write to you; for you have yourselves been taught by God to love one another;

We do not wish you to remain in ignorance, Brothers, with regard to those who have passed to their rest, that your grief may not be like that of others, who have no hope.

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

You yourselves know well that the Day of the Lord will come just as a thief comes in the night.

When people are saying 'All is quiet and safe,' it is then that, like birth-pains upon a woman with child, Ruin comes suddenly upon them, and there will be no escape!

Therefore let us not sleep as others do. No, let us be watchful and self-controlled.