Brothers whom God loves, we know that he has chosen you,

for the gospel we brought did not come to you in words only, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. Indeed, you know what kind of people we proved to be while we were with you, acting on your behalf.

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a waste of time.

As you know, we suffered persecution and were mistreated in Philippi. Yet we were encouraged by our God to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.

As you know, we did not come with flattering words or with a scheme to make money. God is our witness!

You know very well that we treated each of you the way a father treats his children.

Therefore, when we could stand it no longer, we decided to remain alone in Athens

so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions, for which you are aware that we were destined.

In fact, when we were with you, we told you ahead of time that we were going to suffer persecution. And as you know, that is what happened.

But when I could stand it no longer, I sent Timothy to find out about your faith. I was afraid that the tempter had tempted you in some way, and that our work had been a waste of time.

But Timothy has just now returned from visiting you and has told us the good news about your faith and love. He also told us that you always have fond memories of us and want to see us, just as we want to see you.

For now we can go on living, as long as you continue to stand firm in the Lord.

Now may our God and Father and our Lord Jesus provide a way for us to visit you.

Now then, brothers, you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God, as in fact you are doing. We ask and encourage you in the Lord to do so even more.

You know what instructions we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

Each of you must know how to control his own body in a holy and honorable manner,

not with passion and lust like the gentiles who do not know God.

Now you do not need anyone to write to you about brotherly love, since you have been taught by God to love each other.

But we do not want you to be ignorant, brothers, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve like other people who have no hope.

For we declare to you what the Lord has told us to say: We who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord will by no means precede those who have died.

Now you do not need to have anything written to you about times and dates, brothers,

for you yourselves know very well that the Day of the Lord will come like a thief in the night.

Make sure that no one pays back evil for evil. Instead, always pursue what is good for each other and for everyone else.