For they would prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles with a view to their Salvation, and thus are always 'filling up the measure of their iniquity.' But the Wrath of God has come upon them to the full!

That was why we made up our minds to go and see you--at least I, Paul, did, more than once--but Satan put difficulties in our way.

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

Then those who died in union with Christ shall rise first; and afterwards we who are still living shall be caught up in the clouds, with them, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall be for ever with the Lord.

Therefore encourage one another, and try to build up one another's characters, as indeed you are doing.