so that none of you might be deceived amid these difficulties. For you knew yourselves that this is our appointed lot,

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,

Now, brothers, we ask and beg you, in the face of our union with the Lord Jesus, as you once received from us how you ought to live so as to please God -- as indeed you are living -- to continue to live this life better and better.

that no one should do wrong and defraud his brother in this matter, because the Lord takes vengeance for all such things, as we told you before and solemnly warned you.

So whoever rejects this teaching is rejecting not man but God who continues to put His Spirit in you.

So continue encouraging one another with this truth.

Make it a habit to give thanks for everything, for this is God's will for you through Christ Jesus.

He who calls you is trustworthy and He will do this.

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