[This letter is from] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, [and is being sent] to the church of the Thessalonians in [fellowship with] God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

That ye be not soon shaken in mind, or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.

Do not allow anyone to deceive you in any way, for it will not occur until the rebellion comes first and the man of lawlessness becomes evident. [Note: This "rebellion" refers to a significant falling away from the teaching and practice of true Christianity (See I Tim. 4:1), characterized by the rise of an authoritarian religious leader]. This man is doomed to be destroyed

So then, brethren, stand firm, and hold fast the instructions which ye have been taught, whether by word or by our letter.

But if any one obey not our word by the letter, mark that man, and do not keep company with him, that he may be ashamed of himself;

The salutation by the hand of me, Paul, which is the mark in every letter; so I write.