And are now awaiting the return from Heaven of his Son whom he raised from the dead--Jesus, our deliverer from the Coming Wrath.

This, too, is a reason why we, on our part, are continually thanking God--because, in receiving the teaching that you had from us, you accepted it, not as the teaching of man, but as what it really is--the teaching of God, which is even now doing its work within you who believe in Christ.

For you, Brothers, began to follow the example of the Churches of God in Judea which are in union with Jesus Christ; you, in your turn, suffering at the hands of your fellow-citizens, in the same way as those Churches did at the hands of the Jews--

The men who killed both the Lord Jesus and the Prophets, and persecuted us also. They do not try to please God, and they are enemies to all mankind,

For they would prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles with a view to their Salvation, and thus are always 'filling up the measure of their iniquity.' But the Wrath of God has come upon them to the full!

You are our pride and our delight!

So that none of you should be shaken by the troubles through which you are passing. You yourselves know that we are destined to meet with such things.

But, when Timothy recently returned to us from you with good news of your faith and love, and told us how kindly you think of us--always longing, he said, to see us, just as we are longing to see you--

For it is new life to us to know that you are holding fast to the Lord.

How can we thank God enough for all the happiness that you are giving us in the sight of our God?

And for you, may the Lord fill you to overflowing with love for one another and for every one, just as we are filled with love for you;

Further, Brothers, we beg and exhort you in the name of our Lord Jesus to carry out more fully than ever--as indeed you are already doing--all that you have heard from us as to what your daily life must be, if it is to please God.

This we tell you on the authority of the Lord--that those of us who are still living at the Coming of the Lord will not anticipate those who have passed to their rest.

Then those who died in union with Christ shall rise first; and afterwards we who are still living shall be caught up in the clouds, with them, to meet the Lord in the air; and so we shall be for ever with the Lord.

When people are saying 'All is quiet and safe,' it is then that, like birth-pains upon a woman with child, Ruin comes suddenly upon them, and there will be no escape!

You, however, Brothers, are not in darkness, that the daylight should take you by surprise as if you were thieves.

For you all are 'Sons of Light' and 'Sons of the Day.' We have nothing to do with night, or darkness.

That, whether we are still watching or have fallen asleep, we may live with him.

Therefore encourage one another, and try to build up one another's characters, as indeed you are doing.

We beg you, Brothers, to value those who toil among you, and are your leaders in the Lord's service, and give you counsel.