We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,

For from you the message of the Lord has echoed forth not just in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place reports of your faith in God have spread, so that we do not need to say anything.

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you -- it has not proven to be purposeless.

because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, but wrath has come upon them completely.

For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.

But now Timothy has come to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection and long to see us just as we also long to see you!