For our gospel came not unto you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much assurance; as ye know what manner of men we were among you for your sake.

For they themselves shew of us what manner of entering in we had unto you, and how ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God;

But as God tested and approved us before entrusting us with His Good News, so in what we say we are seeking not to please men but to please God, who tests and approves our motives.

You can testify, and God too, with what pure, upright, and irreproachable motives I dealt with you who believed;

And for this further reason we render unceasing thanks to God, that when you received God's Message from our lips, it was as no mere message from men that you embraced it, but as--what it really is--God's Message, which also does its work in the hearts of you who believe.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

and encourage you not to be led astray, any of you, in all these troubles. You know yourselves that this is what we must expect,

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.

For what thanks can we render to God again for you, for all the joy wherewith we joy for your sakes before our God;

night and day beseeching exceedingly to the end that we may see your face, and perfect what is lacking in your faith?

And last of all, the prayer which we make to you from our heart and in the name of the Lord Jesus, is this: that as we made clear to you what sort of behaviour is pleasing to God, as in fact you are doing now, so you will go on in these ways, but more and more.

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

So, the person who rejects [this exhortation] is not [merely] rejecting what man says but God [Himself], who gives His Holy Spirit to you.

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.

Therefore, comfort one another with what I have told you.

When people say, "What peace and security!" then suddenly destruction will be upon them, like birth-pains upon a woman about to give birth to a child, and there will be no escape.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to appreciate those who diligently work among you [recognize, acknowledge, and respect your leaders], who are in charge over you in the Lord and who give you instruction,

Hold them in the highest esteem and affection for what they do. Live at peace with one another.

See that no one render to any evil for evil, but pursue always what is good towards one another and towards all;

in every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus.

But test all things carefully [so you can recognize what is good]. Hold firmly to that which is good.

God, who calls you [into His fellowship] is faithful; He will also do [what He promises].