because the good-news from us happened to you not in word only, but also in power, and in Holy Spirit, and in much assurance, as ye know what kind of men we became among you, because of you.

And ye became imitators of us and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of Holy Spirit,

so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

Indeed, in speaking about us, the people themselves tell of the reception you gave us, and how, turning to God from your idols, you became servants of the true and living God,

nevertheless we became gentle in the midst of you, as a nurse cherishes her own children.

so having a strong affection for you, we were willing to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because ye became dear to us.

Ye are witnesses, and God, how piously and justly and blamelessly we became to you who believe,

For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same [kind of] persecution from your own countrymen, as they did from the Jews,

But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.

Therefore, when we could no longer endure our separation [from you], we thought it best to be left behind, alone at Athens,

Because of this, I too, no longer covering over it, sent in order to know your faith, lest somehow he who tempts was tempting you, and our labor became in vain.

For if we believe that Jesus died and arose, so also those who became asleep through Jesus, God will bring with him.

For this we say to you in the word of Lord, that we who are alive, who remain for the coming of the Lord, will no, not precede those who became asleep.