for they themselves report what kind of reception we had from you: how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously, and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you believers.

How can we thank God for you in return for all the joy we experience before our God because of you,

Finally then, brothers, we ask and encourage you in the Lord Jesus, that as you have received from us how you must walk and please God—as you are doing—do so even more.

so that each of you knows how to control his own body in sanctification and honor,