For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity or by way of deceit;

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

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.

You are witnesses, with God, how holy and upright and free from all evil was our way of life among you who have faith;

for you know how, as a father deals with his children, we used to encourage you, cheer you on, and charge each of 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.

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

For what thanksgiving can we render back, unto God, concerning you, on occasion of all the joy wherewith we rejoice, for your sakes, before our God? -

For you know what commandments and precepts we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

Because it is God's purpose that our way of life may be not unclean but holy.

so that your way of life may stand fair to the world, and prevent your being dependent upon any man.

For this we declare to you on the Lord's own authority--that we who are alive and continue on earth until the Coming of the Lord, shall certainly not forestall those who shall have previously passed away.

Now brothers, you do not need to have anything written to you about the times and dates [i.e., of Christ's second coming],