since [it is] righteous in the sight of God to pay back those who are afflicting you with affliction,

That ye be not quickly tossed from your mind, nor be put in alarm - either by spirit, or by discourse, or by letter as by us, as that the day of the Lord, hath set in:

That no one may cheat, you, in any one respect. Because that day will not set in - except the revolt come first, and there he revealed the man of lawlessness, the son of destruction,

who is opposing and is raising himself up above all called God or worshipped, so that he in the sanctuary of God as God hath sat down, shewing himself off that he is God -- the day doth not come.

Do ye not remember that, being yet with you, I said these things to you?

But we ought to thank God for you always, brothers [who are] dearly loved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning [Note: Some manuscripts use the Greek word for "firstfruits" instead of "beginning" here, but it is difficult to know in what sense the Thessalonian Christians were "first"], in order to be saved through being set apart by the Holy Spirit and through belief of the truth [of the Gospel].

But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you [setting you on a firm foundation] and will protect and guard you from the evil one.

Now we command you, brothers, in the name [i.e., by the authority] of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you people stay away from every brother [or sister] who lives an idle life [See note on I Thess. 5:14], and not according to the [inspired] tradition which you received from us.

This was not because we had not a claim upon you, but it arose from a desire to set you an example--for you to imitate us.

we command these persons, and exhort them by the Lord Jesus Christ, to stay at home, and earn their bread by labour.

And if any man does not give attention to what we have said in this letter, take note of that man, and keep away from him, so that he may be shamed.