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.

For another reason too, we, as far as we are concerned, are constantly giving thanks to God; that is, when you received the message you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the message of men but as the message of God, as it really is, which keeps on working in you who believe.

for they [even] try to prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles, so that they can be saved. [In doing this] they are always piling up one sin on another. But the wrath [of God] has come upon them at last [or, "completely"].

May the Lord make you increase and overflow in love for one another and for all men, as my love for you does,

Now as to brotherly love, you have no need of anyone's writing you, for you have yourselves been taught by God to love one another,

and to vie with one another in eagerness for peace, every one minding his own business and working with his hands, as we ordered you to do:

So continue encouraging one another with this truth.

So continue encouraging one another and helping one another in character building.

continue to hold them in the highest esteem for the sake of the work they do. Practice living at peace with one another.

Take care that none of you ever pays back evil for evil, but always keep looking for ways to show kindness to one another and everybody.