Philippians 2 - 1 Thessalonians 2

New International Version

Imitating Christ’s Humility

2 Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit,^(A) if any tenderness and compassion,^{(B) 2} then make my joy complete^(C) by being like-minded,^(D) having the same love, being one^(E) in spirit and of one mind. ³ Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit.^(F) Rather, in humility value others above yourselves,^{(G) 4} not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.^(H)

⁵ In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus:^(I)

Do Everything Without Grumbling

¹² Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling,^{(V) 13} for it is God who works in you^(W) to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.^(X)

¹⁴ Do everything without grumbling^(Y) or arguing, ¹⁵ so that you may become blameless^(Z) and pure, “children of God^(AA) without fault in a warped and crooked generation.”^[c](AB) Then you will shine among them like stars in the sky ¹⁶ as you hold firmly to the word of life. And then I will be able to boast on the day of Christ^(AC) that I did not run^(AD) or labor in vain.^{(AE) 17} But even if I am being poured out like a drink offering^(AF) on the sacrifice^(AG) and service coming from your faith, I am glad and rejoice with all of you.^{(AH) 18} So you too should be glad and rejoice with me.

Timothy and Epaphroditus

¹⁹ I hope in the Lord Jesus to send Timothy^(AI) to you soon,^(AJ) that I also may be cheered when I receive news about you. ²⁰ I have no one else like him,^(AK) who will show genuine concern for your welfare. ²¹ For everyone looks out for their own interests,^(AL) not those of Jesus Christ. ²² But you know that Timothy has proved himself, because as a son with his father^(AM) he has served with me in the work of the gospel. ²³ I hope, therefore, to send him as soon as I see how things go with me.^{(AN) 24} And I am confident^(AO) in the Lord that I myself will come soon.

²⁵ But I think it is necessary to send back to you Epaphroditus, my brother, co-worker^(AP) and fellow soldier,^(AQ) who is also your messenger, whom you sent to take care of my needs.^{(AR) 26} For he longs for all of you^(AS) and is distressed because you heard he was ill. ²⁷ Indeed he was ill, and almost died. But God had mercy on him, and not on him only but also on me, to spare me sorrow upon sorrow. ²⁸ Therefore I am all the more eager to send him,^(AT) so that when you see him again you may be glad and I may have less anxiety. ²⁹ So then, welcome him in the Lord with great joy, and honor people like him,^{(AU) 30} because he almost died for the work of Christ. He risked his life to make up for the help you yourselves could not give me.^(AV)

No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,^(AW) and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs,^(AX) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision,^(AY) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(AZ) and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(BA)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised^(BB) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(BC) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(BD) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^{(BE) 6} as for zeal,^(BF) persecuting the church;^(BG) as for righteousness based on the law,^(BH) faultless.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(BI) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(BJ) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^{(BK) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(BL) but that which is through faith in^[d] Christ—the righteousness^(BM) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^{(BN) 10} I want to know^(BO) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(BP) becoming like him in his death,^{(BQ) 11} and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(BR) from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(BS) but I press on to take hold^(BT) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(BU) 13} Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(BV) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(BW) toward the goal to win the prize^(BX) for which God has called^(BY) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature^(BZ) should take such a view of things.^(CA) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^{(CB) 16} Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

¹⁷ Join together in following my example,^(CC) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.^{(CD) 18} For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,^(CE) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.^{(CF) 19} Their destiny^(CG) is destruction, their god is their stomach,^(CH) and their glory is in their shame.^(CI) Their mind is set on earthly things.^{(CJ) 20} But our citizenship^(CK) is in heaven.^(CL) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,^{(CM) 21} who, by the power^(CN) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies^(CO) so that they will be like his glorious body.^(CP)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(CQ) my joy and crown, stand firm^(CR) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

² I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(CS) in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(CT) whose names are in the book of life.^(CU)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^{(CV) 5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^{(CW) 6} Do not be anxious about anything,^(CX) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(CY) 7} And the peace of God,^(CZ) which transcends all understanding,^(DA) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(DB) And the God of peace^(DC) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(DD) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(DE) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(DF) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(DG) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(DH)

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share^(DI) in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days^(DJ) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,^(DK) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;^{(DL) 16} for even when I was in Thessalonica,^(DM) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.^{(DN) 17} Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^{(DO) 18} I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(DP) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(DQ) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs^(DR) according to the riches of his glory^(DS) in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ To our God and Father^(DT) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(DU)

Final Greetings

²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me^(DV) send greetings. ²² All God’s people^(DW) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^(DX) be with your spirit.^(DY) Amen.^[e]

1 Paul, an apostle^(DZ) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(EA) and Timothy^(EB) our brother,

² To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters^[f] in Christ:

Grace^(EC) and peace to you from God our Father.^[g](ED)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We always thank God,^(EE) the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴ because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love^(EF) you have for all God’s people^(EG)— ⁵ the faith and love that spring from the hope^(EH) stored up for you in heaven^(EI) and about which you have already heard in the true message^(EJ) of the gospel ⁶ that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit^(EK) and growing throughout the whole world^(EL)—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. ⁷ You learned it from Epaphras,^(EM) our dear fellow servant,^[h] who is a faithful minister^(EN) of Christ on our^[i] behalf, ⁸ and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.^(EO)

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(EP) we have not stopped praying for you.^(EQ) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(ER) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^{[j](ES) 10} so that you may live a life worthy^(ET) of the Lord and please him^(EU) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^{(EV) 11} being strengthened with all power^(EW) according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,^{(EX) 12} and giving joyful thanks to the Father,^(EY) who has qualified you^[k] to share in the inheritance^(EZ) of his holy people in the kingdom of light.^{(FA) 13} For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness^(FB) and brought us into the kingdom^(FC) of the Son he loves,^{(FD) 14} in whom we have redemption,^(FE) the forgiveness of sins.^(FF)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(FG) of the invisible God,^(FH) the firstborn^(FI) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(FJ) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(FK) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(FL) 17} He is before all things,^(FM) and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head^(FN) of the body, the church;^(FO) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(FP) from among the dead,^(FQ) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased^(FR) to have all his fullness^(FS) dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile^(FT) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(FU) by making peace^(FV) through his blood,^(FW) shed on the cross.

²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies^(FX) in your minds^(FY) because of^[l] your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled^(FZ) you by Christ’s physical body^(GA) through death to present you^(GB) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(GC)— ²³ if you continue^(GD) in your faith, established^(GE) and firm, and do not move from the hope^(GF) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,^(GG) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.^(GH)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

²⁴ Now I rejoice^(GI) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,^(GJ) for the sake of his body, which is the church.^{(GK) 25} I have become its servant^(GL) by the commission God gave me^(GM) to present to you the word of God^(GN) in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery^(GO) that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known^(GP) among the Gentiles the glorious riches^(GQ) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(GR) the hope of glory.

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(GS) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(GT) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(GU) in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously^(GV) contend^(GW) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.^(GX)

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending^(GY) for you and for those at Laodicea,^(GZ) and for all who have not met me personally. ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(HA) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(HB) of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^{(HC) 4} I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.^{(HD) 5} For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit^(HE) and delight to see how disciplined^(HF) you are and how firm^(HG) your faith in Christ^(HH) is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,^(HI) continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted^(HJ) and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,^(HK) and overflowing with thankfulness.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(HL) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[m] of this world^(HM) rather than on Christ.

⁹ For in Christ all the fullness^(HN) of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head^(HO) over every power and authority.^{(HP) 11} In him you were also circumcised^(HQ) with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh^[n](HR) was put off when you were circumcised by^[o] Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism,^(HS) in which you were also raised with him^(HT) through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.^(HU)

¹³ When you were dead in your sins^(HV) and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you^[p] alive^(HW) with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,^{(HX) 14} having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,^(HY) which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.^{(HZ) 15} And having disarmed the powers and authorities,^(IA) he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them^(IB) by the cross.^[q]

Freedom From Human Rules

¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you^(IC) by what you eat or drink,^(ID) or with regard to a religious festival,^(IE) a New Moon celebration^(IF) or a Sabbath day.^{(IG) 17} These are a shadow of the things that were to come;^(IH) the reality, however, is found in Christ. ¹⁸ Do not let anyone who delights in false humility^(II) and the worship of angels disqualify you.^(IJ) Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. ¹⁹ They have lost connection with the head,^(IK) from whom the whole body,^(IL) supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.^(IM)

²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(IN) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(IO) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^{(IP) 21} “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish^(IQ) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.^{(IR) 23} Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility^(IS) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(IT) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(IU) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^{(IV) 3} For you died,^(IW) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[r] life,^(IX) appears,^(IY) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(IZ)

⁵ Put to death,^(JA) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(JB) sexual immorality,^(JC) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(JD) which is idolatry.^{(JE) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(JF) is coming.^{[s] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^{(JG) 8} But now you must also rid yourselves^(JH) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(JI) and filthy language from your lips.^{(JJ) 9} Do not lie to each other,^(JK) since you have taken off your old self^(JL) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(JM) which is being renewed^(JN) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(JO) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(JP) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(JQ) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(JR) but Christ is all,^(JS) and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(JT) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(JU) gentleness and patience.^{(JV) 13} Bear with each other^(JW) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(JX) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(JY) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(JZ)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(KA) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(KB) you were called to peace.^(KC) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(KD) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(KE) through psalms,^(KF) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(KG) 17} And whatever you do,^(KH) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(KI) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households^(KJ)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(KK) as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹ Fathers,^[t] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance^(KL) from the Lord as a reward.^(KM) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.^(KN)

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,^(KO) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(KP) being watchful and thankful. ³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(KQ) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(KR) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^{(KS) 4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵ Be wise^(KT) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(KU) make the most of every opportunity.^{(KV) 6} Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(KW) seasoned with salt,^(KX) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(KY)

Final Greetings

⁷ Tychicus^(KZ) will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant^[u](LA) in the Lord. ⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[v] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.^{(LB) 9} He is coming with Onesimus,^(LC) our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.^(LD) They will tell you everything that is happening here.

¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus^(LE) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,^(LF) the cousin of Barnabas.^(LG) (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) ¹¹ Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[w] among my co-workers^(LH) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(LI) who is one of you^(LJ) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(LK) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(LL) and fully assured. ¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea^(LM) and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke,^(LN) the doctor, and Demas^(LO) send greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,^(LP) and to Nympha and the church in her house.^(LQ)

¹⁶ After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read^(LR) in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

¹⁷ Tell Archippus:^(LS) “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”^(LT)

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(LU) Remember^(LV) my chains.^(LW) Grace be with you.^(LX)

1 Paul, Silas^[x](LY) and Timothy,^(LZ)

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

Grace and peace to you.^(MB)

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

² We always thank God for all of you^(MC) and continually mention you in our prayers.^{(MD) 3} We remember before our God and Father^(ME) your work produced by faith,^(MF) your labor prompted by love,^(MG) and your endurance inspired by hope^(MH) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters^[y] loved by God,^(MI) that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel^(MJ) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(MK) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(ML) how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us^(MM) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(MN) with the joy^(MO) given by the Holy Spirit.^{(MP) 7} And so you became a model^(MQ) to all the believers in Macedonia^(MR) and Achaia.^{(MS) 8} The Lord’s message^(MT) rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.^(MU) Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, ⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(MV) to God from idols^(MW) to serve the living and true God,^{(MX) 10} and to wait for his Son from heaven,^(MY) whom he raised from the dead^(MZ)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.^(NA)

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you^(NB) was not without results.^{(NC) 2} We had previously suffered^(ND) and been treated outrageously in Philippi,^(NE) as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.^{(NF) 3} For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,^(NG) nor are we trying to trick you.^{(NH) 4} On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(NI) We are not trying to please people^(NJ) but God, who tests our hearts.^{(NK) 5} You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(NL)—God is our witness.^{(NM) 6} We were not looking for praise from people,^(NN) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(NO) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^{(NP) 7} Instead, we were like young children^[z] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^{(NQ) 8} so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(NR) but our lives as well.^{(NS) 9} Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked^(NT) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone^(NU) while we preached the gospel of God to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses,^(NV) and so is God,^(NW) of how holy,^(NX) righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,^{(NY) 12} encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy^(NZ) of God, who calls^(OA) you into his kingdom and glory.

¹³ And we also thank God continually^(OB) because, when you received the word of God,^(OC) which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators^(OD) of God’s churches in Judea,^(OE) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people^(OF) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus^(OG) and the prophets^(OH) and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles^(OI) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.^(OJ) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.^[aa]

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),^(OK) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.^{(OL) 18} For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan^(OM) blocked our way.^{(ON) 19} For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown^(OO) in which we will glory^(OP) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?^(OQ) Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory^(OR) and joy.