and that our Good News came to you not in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we showed ourselves to be among you for your sake.

For they themselves report concerning us what kind of a reception we had from you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve a 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;

Here is another reason why we constantly give thanks to God: When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as the word of humans but for what it really is the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is not it even you, before our Lord Jesus 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 thanksgiving can we render again to God for you, for all the joy with which we rejoice for your sakes before our God;

as night and day I continue to pray with deepest earnestness and keenest eagerness that I may see your faces and round out to completeness what is lacking in your faith?

As to what remains therefore, my brethren, we intreat and exhort you by the Lord Jesus, that as ye have received instructions from us, how ye ought to walk and to please God, ye would abound therein more and more.

For you know what instructions we gave you through 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.

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

Thank God whatever happens. For this is what God through Christ Jesus wants you to do.

but continue to prove all things until you can approve them, and then hold on to what is good.

Faithful is he that calls you; and he will do what he has promised.