3 So when we could stand it no longer,^(A) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.^{(B) 2} We sent Timothy,^(C) who is our brother and co-worker^(D) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(E) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(F) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^{(G) 4} In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.^{(H) 5} For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,^(I) I sent to find out about your faith.^(J) I was afraid that in some way the tempter^(K) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.^(L)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ But Timothy^(M) has just now come to us from you^(N) and has brought good news about your faith and love.^(O) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.^{(P) 7} Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ⁸ For now we really live, since you are standing firm^(Q) in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you^(R) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?^{(S) 10} Night and day we pray^(T) most earnestly that we may see you again^(U) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father^(V) himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. ¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(W) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(X) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(Y) when our Lord Jesus comes^(Z) with all his holy ones.^(AA)

Living to Please God

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(AB) we instructed you how to live^(AC) in order to please God,^(AD) as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

³ It is God’s will^(AE) that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;^{(AF) 4} that each of you should learn to control your own body^[a](AG) in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust^(AH) like the pagans,^(AI) who do not know God;^{(AJ) 6} and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.^[b](AK) The Lord will punish^(AL) all those who commit such sins,^(AM) as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.^{(AN) 8} Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.^(AO)

⁹ Now about your love for one another^(AP) we do not need to write to you,^(AQ) for you yourselves have been taught by God^(AR) to love each other.^{(AS) 10} And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia.^(AT) Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,^{(AU) 11} and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,^(AV) just as we told you, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders^(AW) and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Believers Who Have Died

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed^(AX) about those who sleep in death,^(AY) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.^{(AZ) 14} For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,^(BA) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.^{(BB) 15} According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^(BC) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.^{(BD) 16} For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,^(BE) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel^(BF) and with the trumpet call of God,^(BG) and the dead in Christ will rise first.^{(BH) 17} After that, we who are still alive and are left^(BI) will be caught up together with them in the clouds^(BJ) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord^(BK) forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another^(BL) with these words.

The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates^(BM) we do not need to write to you,^{(BN) 2} for you know very well that the day of the Lord^(BO) will come like a thief in the night.^{(BP) 3} While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”^(BQ) destruction will come on them suddenly,^(BR) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.^(BS)

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness^(BT) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.^{(BU) 5} You are all children of the light^(BV) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(BW) but let us be awake^(BX) and sober.^{(BY) 7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.^{(BZ) 8} But since we belong to the day,^(CA) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(CB) and the hope of salvation^(CC) as a helmet.^{(CD) 9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath^(CE) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(CF) 10} He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.^{(CG) 11} Therefore encourage one another^(CH) and build each other up,^(CI) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(CJ) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(CK) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^{(CL) 14} And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(CM) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(CN) be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(CO) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(CP) and for everyone else.

¹⁶ Rejoice always,^{(CQ) 17} pray continually,^{(CR) 18} give thanks in all circumstances;^(CS) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit.^{(CT) 20} Do not treat prophecies^(CU) with contempt ²¹ but test them all;^(CV) hold on to what is good,^{(CW) 22} reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace,^(CX) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul^(CY) and body be kept blameless^(CZ) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(DA) 24} The one who calls^(DB) you is faithful,^(DC) and he will do it.^(DD)

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us.^{(DE) 26} Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.^{(DF) 27} I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.^(DG)

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.^(DH)

1 Paul, Silas^[c](DI) and Timothy,^(DJ)

To the church of the Thessalonians^(DK) in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

² Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(DL)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We ought always to thank God for you,^(DM) brothers and sisters,^[d] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.^{(DN) 4} Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(DO) about your perseverance and faith^(DP) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(DQ)

⁵ All this is evidence^(DR) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy^(DS) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God is just:^(DT) He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you^{(DU) 7} and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven^(DV) in blazing fire^(DW) with his powerful angels.^{(DX) 8} He will punish^(DY) those who do not know God^(DZ) and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.^{(EA) 9} They will be punished with everlasting destruction^(EB) and shut out from the presence of the Lord^(EC) and from the glory of his might^{(ED) 10} on the day^(EE) he comes to be glorified^(EF) in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.^(EG)

¹¹ With this in mind, we constantly pray for you,^(EH) that our God may make you worthy^(EI) of his calling,^(EJ) and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness^(EK) and your every deed prompted by faith.^{(EL) 12} We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,^(EM) and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.^[e]

The Man of Lawlessness

2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ^(EN) and our being gathered to him,^(EO) we ask you, brothers and sisters, ² not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter^(EP)—asserting that the day of the Lord^(EQ) has already come.^{(ER) 3} Don’t let anyone deceive you^(ES) in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion^(ET) occurs and the man of lawlessness^[f] is revealed,^(EU) the man doomed to destruction. ⁴ He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God^(EV) or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.^(EW)

⁵ Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?^{(EX) 6} And now you know what is holding him back,^(EY) so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ⁷ For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back^(EZ) will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed,^(FA) whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth^(FB) and destroy by the splendor of his coming.^{(FC) 9} The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan^(FD) works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders^(FE) that serve the lie, ¹⁰ and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.^(FF) They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.^{(FG) 11} For this reason God sends them^(FH) a powerful delusion^(FI) so that they will believe the lie^{(FJ) 12} and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.^(FK)

Stand Firm

¹³ But we ought always to thank God for you,^(FL) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits^[g](FM) to be saved^(FN) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit^(FO) and through belief in the truth. ¹⁴ He called you^(FP) to this through our gospel,^(FQ) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

¹⁵ So then, brothers and sisters, stand firm^(FR) and hold fast to the teachings^[h] we passed on to you,^(FS) whether by word of mouth or by letter.

¹⁶ May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,^(FT) who loved us^(FU) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, ¹⁷ encourage^(FV) your hearts and strengthen^(FW) you in every good deed and word.

Request for Prayer

3 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(FX) pray for us^(FY) that the message of the Lord^(FZ) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.^{(GA) 2} And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,^(GB) for not everyone has faith. ³ But the Lord is faithful,^(GC) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.^{(GD) 4} We have confidence^(GE) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. ⁵ May the Lord direct your hearts^(GF) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

⁶ In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,^(GG) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from^(GH) every believer who is idle and disruptive^(GI) and does not live according to the teaching^[i] you received from us.^{(GJ) 7} For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.^(GK) We were not idle when we were with you, ⁸ nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked^(GL) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. ⁹ We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,^(GM) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.^{(GN) 10} For even when we were with you,^(GO) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work^(GP) shall not eat.”

¹¹ We hear that some among you are idle and disruptive. They are not busy; they are busybodies.^{(GQ) 12} Such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ^(GR) to settle down and earn the food they eat.^{(GS) 13} And as for you, brothers and sisters, never tire of doing what is good.^(GT)

¹⁴ Take special note of anyone who does not obey our instruction in this letter. Do not associate with them,^(GU) in order that they may feel ashamed.^{(GV) 15} Yet do not regard them as an enemy, but warn them as you would a fellow believer.^(GW)

Final Greetings

¹⁶ Now may the Lord of peace^(GX) himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you.^(GY)

¹⁷ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,^(GZ) which is the distinguishing mark in all my letters. This is how I write.

¹⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.^(HA)

1 Paul, an apostle of Christ Jesus by the command of God^(HB) our Savior^(HC) and of Christ Jesus our hope,^(HD)

² To Timothy^(HE) my true son^(HF) in the faith:

Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Lord.^(HG)

Timothy Charged to Oppose False Teachers

³ As I urged you when I went into Macedonia,^(HH) stay there in Ephesus^(HI) so that you may command certain people not to teach false doctrines^(HJ) any longer ⁴ or to devote themselves to myths^(HK) and endless genealogies.^(HL) Such things promote controversial speculations^(HM) rather than advancing God’s work—which is by faith. ⁵ The goal of this command is love, which comes from a pure heart^(HN) and a good conscience^(HO) and a sincere faith.^{(HP) 6} Some have departed from these and have turned to meaningless talk. ⁷ They want to be teachers^(HQ) of the law, but they do not know what they are talking about or what they so confidently affirm.^(HR)

⁸ We know that the law is good^(HS) if one uses it properly. ⁹ We also know that the law is made not for the righteous^(HT) but for lawbreakers and rebels,^(HU) the ungodly and sinful, the unholy and irreligious, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers, ¹⁰ for the sexually immoral, for those practicing homosexuality, for slave traders and liars and perjurers—and for whatever else is contrary to the sound doctrine^{(HV) 11} that conforms to the gospel concerning the glory of the blessed God, which he entrusted to me.^(HW)

The Lord’s Grace to Paul

¹² I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who has given me strength,^(HX) that he considered me trustworthy, appointing me to his service.^{(HY) 13} Even though I was once a blasphemer and a persecutor^(HZ) and a violent man, I was shown mercy^(IA) because I acted in ignorance and unbelief.^{(IB) 14} The grace of our Lord was poured out on me abundantly,^(IC) along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.^(ID)

¹⁵ Here is a trustworthy saying^(IE) that deserves full acceptance: Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners^(IF)—of whom I am the worst. ¹⁶ But for that very reason I was shown mercy^(IG) so that in me, the worst of sinners, Christ Jesus might display his immense patience^(IH) as an example for those who would believe^(II) in him and receive eternal life.^{(IJ) 17} Now to the King^(IK) eternal, immortal,^(IL) invisible,^(IM) the only God,^(IN) be honor and glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(IO)

The Charge to Timothy Renewed

¹⁸ Timothy, my son,^(IP) I am giving you this command in keeping with the prophecies once made about you,^(IQ) so that by recalling them you may fight the battle well,^{(IR) 19} holding on to faith and a good conscience,^(IS) which some have rejected and so have suffered shipwreck with regard to the faith.^{(IT) 20} Among them are Hymenaeus^(IU) and Alexander,^(IV) whom I have handed over to Satan^(IW) to be taught not to blaspheme.

Instructions on Worship

2 I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers,^(IX) intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— ² for kings and all those in authority,^(IY) that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness^(IZ) and holiness. ³ This is good, and pleases^(JA) God our Savior,^{(JB) 4} who wants^(JC) all people^(JD) to be saved^(JE) and to come to a knowledge of the truth.^{(JF) 5} For there is one God^(JG) and one mediator^(JH) between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,^{(JI) 6} who gave himself as a ransom^(JJ) for all people. This has now been witnessed to^(JK) at the proper time.^{(JL) 7} And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying^(JM)—and a true and faithful teacher^(JN) of the Gentiles.^(JO)

⁸ Therefore I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands^(JP) without anger or disputing. ⁹ I also want the women to dress modestly, with decency and propriety, adorning themselves, not with elaborate hairstyles or gold or pearls or expensive clothes,^{(JQ) 10} but with good deeds,^(JR) appropriate for women who profess to worship God.

¹¹ A woman^[j] should learn in quietness and full submission.^{(JS) 12} I do not permit a woman to teach or to assume authority over a man;^[k] she must be quiet.^{(JT) 13} For Adam was formed first, then Eve.^{(JU) 14} And Adam was not the one deceived; it was the woman who was deceived and became a sinner.^{(JV) 15} But women^[l] will be saved through childbearing—if they continue in faith, love^(JW) and holiness with propriety.

Qualifications for Overseers and Deacons

3 Here is a trustworthy saying:^(JX) Whoever aspires to be an overseer^(JY) desires a noble task. ² Now the overseer is to be above reproach,^(JZ) faithful to his wife,^(KA) temperate,^(KB) self-controlled, respectable, hospitable,^(KC) able to teach,^{(KD) 3} not given to drunkenness,^(KE) not violent but gentle, not quarrelsome,^(KF) not a lover of money.^{(KG) 4} He must manage his own family well and see that his children obey him, and he must do so in a manner worthy of full^[m] respect.^{(KH) 5} (If anyone does not know how to manage his own family, how can he take care of God’s church?)^{(KI) 6} He must not be a recent convert, or he may become conceited^(KJ) and fall under the same judgment^(KK) as the devil. ⁷ He must also have a good reputation with outsiders,^(KL) so that he will not fall into disgrace and into the devil’s trap.^(KM)

⁸ In the same way, deacons^[n](KN) are to be worthy of respect, sincere, not indulging in much wine,^(KO) and not pursuing dishonest gain. ⁹ They must keep hold of the deep truths of the faith with a clear conscience.^{(KP) 10} They must first be tested;^(KQ) and then if there is nothing against them, let them serve as deacons.

¹¹ In the same way, the women^[o] are to be worthy of respect, not malicious talkers^(KR) but temperate^(KS) and trustworthy in everything.

¹² A deacon must be faithful to his wife^(KT) and must manage his children and his household well.^{(KU) 13} Those who have served well gain an excellent standing and great assurance in their faith in Christ Jesus.

Reasons for Paul’s Instructions

¹⁴ Although I hope to come to you soon, I am writing you these instructions so that, ¹⁵ if I am delayed, you will know how people ought to conduct themselves in God’s household, which is the church^(KV) of the living God,^(KW) the pillar and foundation of the truth. ¹⁶ Beyond all question, the mystery^(KX) from which true godliness^(KY) springs is great:

4 The Spirit^(LC) clearly says that in later times^(LD) some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits^(LE) and things taught by demons. ² Such teachings come through hypocritical liars, whose consciences have been seared as with a hot iron.^{(LF) 3} They forbid people to marry^(LG) and order them to abstain from certain foods,^(LH) which God created^(LI) to be received with thanksgiving^(LJ) by those who believe and who know the truth. ⁴ For everything God created is good,^(LK) and nothing is to be rejected^(LL) if it is received with thanksgiving, ⁵ because it is consecrated by the word of God^(LM) and prayer.

⁶ If you point these things out to the brothers and sisters,^[q] you will be a good minister of Christ Jesus, nourished on the truths of the faith^(LN) and of the good teaching that you have followed.^{(LO) 7} Have nothing to do with godless myths and old wives’ tales;^(LP) rather, train yourself to be godly.^{(LQ) 8} For physical training is of some value, but godliness has value for all things,^(LR) holding promise for both the present life^(LS) and the life to come.^{(LT) 9} This is a trustworthy saying^(LU) that deserves full acceptance. ¹⁰ That is why we labor and strive, because we have put our hope in the living God,^(LV) who is the Savior of all people,^(LW) and especially of those who believe.

¹¹ Command and teach these things.^{(LX) 12} Don’t let anyone look down on you^(LY) because you are young, but set an example^(LZ) for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith^(MA) and in purity. ¹³ Until I come,^(MB) devote yourself to the public reading of Scripture,^(MC) to preaching and to teaching. ¹⁴ Do not neglect your gift, which was given you through prophecy^(MD) when the body of elders^(ME) laid their hands on you.^(MF)

¹⁵ Be diligent in these matters; give yourself wholly to them, so that everyone may see your progress. ¹⁶ Watch your life and doctrine closely. Persevere in them, because if you do, you will save^(MG) both yourself and your hearers.

Widows, Elders and Slaves

5 Do not rebuke an older man^(MH) harshly,^(MI) but exhort him as if he were your father. Treat younger men^(MJ) as brothers, ² older women as mothers, and younger women as sisters, with absolute purity.

³ Give proper recognition to those widows who are really in need.^{(MK) 4} But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents,^(ML) for this is pleasing to God.^{(MM) 5} The widow who is really in need^(MN) and left all alone puts her hope in God^(MO) and continues night and day to pray^(MP) and to ask God for help. ⁶ But the widow who lives for pleasure is dead even while she lives.^{(MQ) 7} Give the people these instructions,^(MR) so that no one may be open to blame. ⁸ Anyone who does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, has denied^(MS) the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

⁹ No widow may be put on the list of widows unless she is over sixty, has been faithful to her husband, ¹⁰ and is well known for her good deeds,^(MT) such as bringing up children, showing hospitality,^(MU) washing the feet^(MV) of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble^(MW) and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.

¹¹ As for younger widows, do not put them on such a list. For when their sensual desires overcome their dedication to Christ, they want to marry. ¹² Thus they bring judgment on themselves, because they have broken their first pledge. ¹³ Besides, they get into the habit of being idle and going about from house to house. And not only do they become idlers, but also busybodies^(MX) who talk nonsense,^(MY) saying things they ought not to. ¹⁴ So I counsel younger widows to marry,^(MZ) to have children, to manage their homes and to give the enemy no opportunity for slander.^{(NA) 15} Some have in fact already turned away to follow Satan.^(NB)

¹⁶ If any woman who is a believer has widows in her care, she should continue to help them and not let the church be burdened with them, so that the church can help those widows who are really in need.^(NC)

¹⁷ The elders^(ND) who direct the affairs of the church well are worthy of double honor,^(NE) especially those whose work is preaching and teaching. ¹⁸ For Scripture says, “Do not muzzle an ox while it is treading out the grain,”^[r](NF) and “The worker deserves his wages.”^{[s](NG) 19} Do not entertain an accusation against an elder^(NH) unless it is brought by two or three witnesses.^{(NI) 20} But those elders who are sinning you are to reprove^(NJ) before everyone, so that the others may take warning.^{(NK) 21} I charge you, in the sight of God and Christ Jesus^(NL) and the elect angels, to keep these instructions without partiality, and to do nothing out of favoritism.

²² Do not be hasty in the laying on of hands,^(NM) and do not share in the sins of others.^(NN) Keep yourself pure.^(NO)

²³ Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine^(NP) because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses.

²⁴ The sins of some are obvious, reaching the place of judgment ahead of them; the sins of others trail behind them. ²⁵ In the same way, good deeds are obvious, and even those that are not obvious cannot remain hidden forever.