in that our gospel did not come to you merely in words, but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you).

exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory.

Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.

And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you,

Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope.