for you have started, my brothers, to copy the churches of God in Christ Jesus throughout Judaea; you have suffered from your compatriots just as they have suffered from the Jews,

for we told you beforehand, when we were with you, that "we Christians are to have trouble" ??and, as you know, it has been so.)

We would like you, brothers, to understand about those who are asleep in death. You must not grieve for them, like the rest of men who have no hope.

Since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, then it follows that by means of Jesus God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep.

For we tell you, as the Lord has told us, that we the living, who survive till the Lord comes, are by no means to take precedence of those who have fallen asleep.

As regards the course and periods of time, brothers, you have no need of being written to.

I adjure you by the Lord to have this letter read aloud to all the [holy] brothers.