From: Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy. To: The church of the Thessalonians in union with God the Father and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah. May grace and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus, the Messiah, be yours!

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.

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.

Rather, because we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, we speak as we do, not trying to please people but God, who tests our motives.

as they try to keep us from telling the gentiles how they can be saved. As a result, they are constantly adding to the number of sins they have committed. However, wrath has overtaken them at last!

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

That's why, brothers, in all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you by your faith.

Then your hearts will be strong, blameless, and holy in the presence of God, who is our Father, when our Lord Jesus appears with all his saints.

For it is God's will that you be sanctified: You must abstain from sexual immorality.

For God did not call us to be impure, but to be holy.

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.

Then we who are alive and remain will be caught up in the clouds together with them to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.

When people say, "There is peace and security," destruction will strike them as suddenly as labor pains come to a pregnant woman, and they will not be able to escape.

Therefore, let's not fall asleep like others do, but let's stay awake and be sober.

But since we belong to the day, let's be sober. We must put on the breastplate of faith and love, and the hope of salvation as a helmet.

We urge you, brothers, to admonish those who are idle, cheer up those who are discouraged, and help those who are weak. Be patient with everyone.

Always be joyful.

Continually be prayerful.

In everything be thankful, because this is God's will for you in the Messiah Jesus.

The one who calls you is faithful, and he will continue to be faithful.

I order you by the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus, the Messiah, be with you! Amen.