for our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction; just as you know what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sake.

For the word of the Lord has sounded forth from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God has gone forth, so that we have no need to say anything.

For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain,

but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid much opposition.

For we never came with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness—

just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children,

Therefore when we could endure it no longer, we thought it best to be left behind at Athens alone,

so that no one would be disturbed by these afflictions; for you yourselves know that we have been destined for this.

For indeed when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; and so it came to pass, as you know.

For this reason, when I could endure it no longer, I also sent to find out about your faith, for fear that the tempter might have tempted you, and our labor would be in vain.

But now that Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of your faith and love, and that you always think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you,

for now we really live, if you stand firm in the Lord.

Now may our God and Father Himself and Jesus our Lord direct our way to you;

For you know what commandments we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

that each of you know how to possess his own vessel in sanctification and honor,

not in lustful passion, like the Gentiles who do not know God;

and that no man transgress and defraud his brother in the matter because the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also told you before and solemnly warned you.

Now as to the love of the brethren, you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another;

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brethren, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve as do the rest who have no hope.

Now as to the times and the epochs, brethren, you have no need of anything to be written to you.

For you yourselves know full well that the day of the Lord will come just like a thief in the night.

See that no one repays another with evil for evil, but always seek after that which is good for one another and for all people.

Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your spirit and soul and body be preserved complete, without blame at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.