Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the congregation of Thessalonians in God the Father and Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and Lord Jesus Christ.

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.

For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.

For they report about us what kind of entrance we had with you, and how ye turned to God from the idols to serve a living and TRUE God,

and to await his Son from the heavens whom he raised from the dead--Jesus--who rescues us from the coming wrath.

For our exhortation is not from error, nor from uncleanness, nor in deception,

nor seeking glory from men, neither from you nor from others. While able to bear down as apostles of Christ,

And because of this we thank God without ceasing, because, having received the word of God heard from us, ye received not the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which also is at work in you who believe.

But we, brothers, who were orphaned from you for the time of an hour, in presence not in heart, hastened more earnestly to see your face, with much desire.

But now of Timothy, having come to us from you, and having proclaimed good news to us of your faith and love, and that ye always have a good recollection of us, longing to see us, just as we also you,

Because now we live, if ye stand firm in Lord.

Finally therefore, brothers, we ask you, and summon in Lord Jesus, that just as ye received from us how ye ought to walk and to please God, that ye may abound more.

For this is the will of God, your sanctification, for you to abstain from fornication,

Because the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with a voice of the arch-agent, and with a trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first,

but examine all things. Hold firm the good.

Abstain from all appearance of evil.