We know, brothers loved by God, that you are chosen,

and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

But even as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.

forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved; to fill up their sins always. But wrath has come on them to the uttermost.

Therefore, when we could not stand it any longer, we thought it good to be left behind at Athens alone,

that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you know that we are appointed to this task.

For this cause I also, when I could not stand it any longer, sent that I might know your faith, for fear that by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor would have been in vain.

But concerning brotherly love, you have no need that one write to you. For you yourselves are taught by God to love one another,

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, concerning those who have fallen asleep, so that you do not grieve like the rest, who have no hope.

For this we tell you by the word of the Lord, that we who are alive, who are left to the coming of the Lord, will in no way precede those who have fallen asleep.

then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. So we will be with the Lord forever.

But concerning the times and the seasons, brothers, you have no need that anything be written to you.

so then let us not sleep, as the rest do, but let us watch and be sober.

But let us, since we belong to the day, be sober, putting on the breastplate of faith and love, and, for a helmet, the hope of salvation.

and to respect and honor them in love for their work's sake. Be at peace among yourselves.

We exhort you, brothers, admonish the disorderly, encourage the fainthearted, support the weak, be patient toward all.

May the God of peace himself sanctify you completely. May your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers.

The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.