for since we have been so approved by God as to be entrusted with the good news, we are now telling it, not to please men but God, who proves and finds approved our hearts.

We never sought praise from men, either from you or from anyone else; although as apostles we could have stood on our official dignity.

For you, brothers, followed the example of God's churches in Judea that are in union with Christ Jesus, for you too have suffered the same sort of ill-treatment at the hands of your fellow-countrymen as they did at the hands of the Jews,

this is the very reason, namely, through your faith, brothers, that I have been encouraged about you, in spite of all my distresses and crushing difficulties,

For how can I render God enough thanks for you, for all the joy I have on account of you in the presence of our God,

Now as to brotherly love, you have no need of anyone's writing you, for you have yourselves been taught by God to love one another,

Also we do not want you to have any misunderstanding, brothers, about those who are falling asleep, so as to keep you from grieving over them as others do who have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, then through Jesus, God will bring back with Him those who have fallen asleep.

For on the Lord's own authority we say that those of us who may be left behind and are still living when the Lord comes back, will have no advantage at all over those who have fallen asleep.

But as to times and dates, brothers, you have no need of anyone's writing you,

I solemnly charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.