Giving Thanks for These Believers

(A)Paul, (B)Silvanus, and (C)Timothy,

To the (D)church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: (E)Grace to you and peace.

(F)We always give thanks to God for all of you, (G)making mention of you in our prayers; constantly keeping in mind your (H)work of faith and labor of (I)love and [a](J)perseverance of hope [b]in our Lord Jesus Christ in the presence of (K)our God and Father, knowing, (L)brothers and sisters, beloved by God, (M)His choice of you; for our (N)gospel did not come to you in word only, but also (O)in power and in the Holy Spirit and with (P)full conviction; just as you know (Q)what kind of men we proved to be among you for your sakes. You also became (R)imitators of us and of the Lord, (S)having received (T)the word during great affliction with the (U)joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in (V)Macedonia and (W)Achaia. For (X)the word of the Lord has (Y)sounded forth from you, not only in (Z)Macedonia and (AA)Achaia, but (AB)in every place the news of your faith toward God has gone out, so that we have no need to say anything. For they themselves report about us [c]as to the kind of (AC)reception we had with you, and how you (AD)turned to God (AE)from [d]idols to serve [e](AF)a living and true God, 10 and to (AG)wait for His Son from [f]heaven, whom He (AH)raised from the dead, that is, Jesus who (AI)rescues us from (AJ)the wrath to come.

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Or steadfastness
  2. 1 Thessalonians 1:3 Lit of
  3. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Lit what kind of
  4. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Or the idols
  5. 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Or the
  6. 1 Thessalonians 1:10 Lit the heavens

Paul, Silas[a](A) and Timothy,(B)

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

Grace and peace to you.(D)

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

We always thank God for all of you(E) and continually mention you in our prayers.(F) We remember before our God and Father(G) your work produced by faith,(H) your labor prompted by love,(I) and your endurance inspired by hope(J) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters[b] loved by God,(K) that he has chosen you, because our gospel(L) came to you not simply with words but also with power,(M) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know(N) how we lived among you for your sake. You became imitators of us(O) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering(P) with the joy(Q) given by the Holy Spirit.(R) And so you became a model(S) to all the believers in Macedonia(T) and Achaia.(U) The Lord’s message(V) rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.(W) Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned(X) to God from idols(Y) to serve the living and true God,(Z) 10 and to wait for his Son from heaven,(AA) whom he raised from the dead(AB)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.(AC)

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
  2. 1 Thessalonians 1:4 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 2:1, 9, 14, 17; 3:7; 4:1, 10, 13; 5:1, 4, 12, 14, 25, 27.

Paul’s Ministry

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our [a](A)reception among you (B)was not in vain, but after we had already suffered and been (C)treated abusively in (D)Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God (E)to speak to you the (F)gospel of God [b]amid much [c](G)opposition. For our (H)exhortation does not come from (I)error or (J)impurity or [d]by way of (K)deceit; (L)but just as we have been approved by God to be (M)entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, (N)not intending to please people, but to please God, who [e](O)examines our hearts. For we never came [f]with flattering speech, as you know, nor with (P)a pretext [g]for greed—(Q)God is our witness— nor did we (R)seek honor from people, either from you or from others, though [h]we could have [i]asserted our authority as (S)apostles of Christ. But we [j]proved to be [k](T)gentle [l]among you. (U)As a nursing mother [m]tenderly cares for her own children, in the same way we had a fond affection for you and were delighted to (V)share with you not only the (W)gospel of God, but also our own [n]lives, because you had become [o]very dear to us.

For you recall, brothers and sisters, our (X)labor and hardship: it was by (Y)working night and day so as not to be a (Z)burden to any of you, that we proclaimed to you the (AA)gospel of God. 10 You are witnesses, and so is (AB)God, of (AC)how devoutly and rightly and blamelessly we [p]behaved toward you [q]believers; 11 just as you know how we were (AD)exhorting and encouraging and (AE)imploring each one of you as (AF)a father would his own children, 12 so that you would (AG)walk in a manner worthy of the God who (AH)calls you into His own kingdom and (AI)glory.

13 For this reason we also constantly (AJ)thank God that when you received the (AK)word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it (AL)not as the word of mere men, but as what it really is, the word of God, (AM)which also is at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became (AN)imitators of (AO)the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are (AP)in Judea, for (AQ)you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, (AR)even as they did from the Jews, 15 (AS)who both killed the Lord Jesus and (AT)the prophets, and [r]drove us out. [s]They are not pleasing to God, [t]but hostile to all people, 16 (AU)hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles (AV)so that they may be saved; with the result that they always [u](AW)reach the limit of their sins. But (AX)wrath has come upon them [v]fully.

17 But we, brothers and sisters, having been orphaned from you by absence for a [w]short while—(AY)in [x]person, not in [y]spirit—were all the more eager with great desire (AZ)to see your face. 18 [z]For (BA)we wanted to come to you—I, Paul, [aa](BB)more than once—and (BC)Satan (BD)hindered us. 19 For who is our hope, or (BE)joy or crown of pride, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His [ab](BF)coming? Or is it not indeed you? 20 For you are (BG)our glory and joy.

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:1 Or coming to you
  2. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Or during
  3. 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Or struggle; or conflict
  4. 1 Thessalonians 2:3 Lit in deceit
  5. 1 Thessalonians 2:4 Or approves
  6. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 Lit in a word of flattery
  7. 1 Thessalonians 2:5 I.e., to conceal greed
  8. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Lit being able to
  9. 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Or been burdensome as
  10. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Or became gentle
  11. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Three early mss infants
  12. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Lit in the midst of you
  13. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Or cherishes
  14. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Or souls
  15. 1 Thessalonians 2:8 Lit beloved
  16. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Lit became
  17. 1 Thessalonians 2:10 Or who believe
  18. 1 Thessalonians 2:15 Or persecuted us
  19. 1 Thessalonians 2:15 Lit and
  20. 1 Thessalonians 2:15 Lit and
  21. 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Lit complete their
  22. 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Or forever; lit to the end
  23. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Lit occasion of an hour
  24. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Lit face
  25. 1 Thessalonians 2:17 Lit heart
  26. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Or Because
  27. 1 Thessalonians 2:18 Lit both once and twice
  28. 1 Thessalonians 2:19 Or presence

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you(A) was not without results.(B) We had previously suffered(C) and been treated outrageously in Philippi,(D) as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.(E) For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,(F) nor are we trying to trick you.(G) On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.(H) We are not trying to please people(I) but God, who tests our hearts.(J) You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed(K)—God is our witness.(L) We were not looking for praise from people,(M) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles(N) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.(O) Instead, we were like young children[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,(P) so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God(Q) but our lives as well.(R) Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked(S) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone(T) while we preached the gospel of God to you. 10 You are witnesses,(U) and so is God,(V) of how holy,(W) 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,(X) 12 encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy(Y) of God, who calls(Z) you into his kingdom and glory.

13 And we also thank God continually(AA) because, when you received the word of God,(AB) 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(AC) of God’s churches in Judea,(AD) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people(AE) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus(AF) and the prophets(AG) 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(AH) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.(AI) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.[b]

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),(AJ) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.(AK) 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan(AL) blocked our way.(AM) 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown(AN) in which we will glory(AO) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?(AP) Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory(AQ) and joy.

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Some manuscripts were gentle
  2. 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Or them fully

Encouragement of Timothy’s Visit

Therefore, (A)when we could no longer endure it, we thought it best to be left behind, alone at (B)Athens, and we sent (C)Timothy, our brother and God’s fellow worker in the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you for the benefit of your faith, so that no one would be [a]disturbed by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that (D)we have been destined for this. For even when we were with you, we kept telling you in advance that we were going to suffer affliction; [b](E)and so it happened, [c]as you know. For this reason, (F)when I could no longer endure it, I also (G)sent to [d]find out about your faith, for fear that (H)the tempter might have tempted you, and (I)our labor would be for nothing.

But now that (J)Timothy has come to us from you, and has brought us good news of (K)your faith and love, and that you always (L)think kindly of us, longing to see us just as we also long to see you, for this reason, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and affliction we were comforted about you through your faith; for now we really live, if you (M)stand firm in the Lord. For (N)what thanks can we give to God for you in return for all the joy with which we rejoice because of you before our God, 10 as we (O)keep praying most earnestly night and day that we may (P)see your faces, and may (Q)complete what is lacking in your faith?

11 (R)Now may (S)our God and Father (T)Himself, and our Lord Jesus, (U)direct our way to you; 12 and may the Lord cause you to increase and (V)overflow in love for one another, and for all people, just as we also do for you; 13 so that He may (W)establish your hearts (X)blameless in holiness before (Y)our God and Father at the [e](Z)coming of our Lord Jesus (AA)with all His [f]saints.

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 3:3 Or deceived
  2. 1 Thessalonians 3:4 Lit just as
  3. 1 Thessalonians 3:4 Lit and
  4. 1 Thessalonians 3:5 Or to know, to ascertain
  5. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Or presence
  6. 1 Thessalonians 3:13 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people

So when we could stand it no longer,(A) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.(B) 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, so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.(F) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.(G) 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) 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

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) Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. For now we really live, since you are standing firm(Q) in the Lord. 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)

Sanctification and Love

(A)Finally then, (B)brothers and sisters, we request and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received instruction from us as to how you ought to [a](C)walk and (D)please God (just as you actually do [b]walk), that you (E)excel even more. For you know what instructions we gave you [c]by the authority of the Lord Jesus. For this is the will of God, your sanctification; that is, that you (F)abstain from sexual immorality; that (G)each of you know how to [d]possess his own [e](H)vessel in sanctification and (I)honor, not in [f](J)lustful passion, like the Gentiles who (K)do not know God; and that no one violate the rights and (L)take advantage of his brother or sister (M)in the matter, because (N)the Lord is the avenger in all these things, just as we also (O)told you previously and solemnly warned you. For (P)God has not called us for [g](Q)impurity, but in sanctification. Therefore, the one who rejects this is not rejecting man, but the God who (R)gives His Holy Spirit to you.

Now as to the (S)love of the brothers and sisters, you (T)have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves are (U)taught by God to love one another; 10 for indeed (V)you practice it toward all the brothers and sisters who are in all Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to (W)excel even more, 11 and to make it your ambition (X)to lead a quiet life and (Y)attend to your own business and (Z)work with your hands, just as we instructed you, 12 so that you will [h](AA)behave properly toward (AB)outsiders and [i](AC)not be in any need.

Those Who Died in Christ

13 But (AD)we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who [j](AE)are asleep, so that you will not grieve as indeed (AF)the rest of mankind do, who have (AG)no hope. 14 For if we believe that Jesus died and rose from the dead, (AH)so also God will bring with Him (AI)those who have fallen asleep [k]through Jesus. 15 For we say this to you (AJ)by the word of the Lord, that (AK)we who are alive [l]and remain until (AL)the coming of the Lord will not precede (AM)those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord (AN)Himself (AO)will descend from heaven with a [m](AP)shout, with the voice of (AQ)the archangel and with the (AR)trumpet of God, and (AS)the dead in Christ will rise first. 17 Then (AT)we who are alive, who remain, will be (AU)caught up together with them (AV)in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always (AW)be with the Lord. 18 Therefore, [n]comfort one another with these words.

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Or conduct yourselves
  2. 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Or conduct yourselves
  3. 1 Thessalonians 4:2 Lit through the Lord
  4. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 Or acquire
  5. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 I.e., body; or wife
  6. 1 Thessalonians 4:5 Lit passion of lust
  7. 1 Thessalonians 4:7 I.e., moral corruption
  8. 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Lit walk
  9. 1 Thessalonians 4:12 Lit have need of nothing
  10. 1 Thessalonians 4:13 I.e., have died
  11. 1 Thessalonians 4:14 I.e., as believers
  12. 1 Thessalonians 4:15 Lit who
  13. 1 Thessalonians 4:16 Or cry of command
  14. 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Or encourage

Living to Please God

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

It is God’s will(D) that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;(E) that each of you should learn to control your own body[a](F) in a way that is holy and honorable, not in passionate lust(G) like the pagans,(H) who do not know God;(I) and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.[b](J) The Lord will punish(K) all those who commit such sins,(L) as we told you and warned you before. For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.(M) Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.(N)

Now about your love for one another(O) we do not need to write to you,(P) for you yourselves have been taught by God(Q) to love each other.(R) 10 And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia.(S) Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,(T) 11 and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,(U) just as we told you, 12 so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders(V) 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(W) about those who sleep in death,(X) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.(Y) 14 For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,(Z) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.(AA) 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,(AB) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.(AC) 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,(AD) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel(AE) and with the trumpet call of God,(AF) and the dead in Christ will rise first.(AG) 17 After that, we who are still alive and are left(AH) will be caught up together with them in the clouds(AI) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord(AJ) forever. 18 Therefore encourage one another(AK) with these words.

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 4:4 Or learn to live with your own wife; or learn to acquire a wife
  2. 1 Thessalonians 4:6 The Greek word for brother or sister (adelphos) refers here to a believer, whether man or woman, as part of God’s family.

The Day of the Lord

Now as to the (A)periods and [a]times, brothers and sisters, you (B)have no need of anything to be written to you. For you yourselves know full well that (C)the day of the Lord is coming (D)just like a thief in the night. While they are saying, “(E)Peace and safety!” then (F)sudden destruction [b]will come upon them like (G)labor pains upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape. But you, brothers and sisters, are not in (H)darkness, so that the day would overtake you [c](I)like a thief; for you are all (J)sons of light and sons of day. We are not of night nor of (K)darkness; so then, let’s not (L)sleep as [d](M)others do, but let’s be alert and [e](N)sober. For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who are drunk, (O)get drunk at night. But since (P)we are of the day, let’s (Q)be [f]sober, having put on the (R)breastplate of (S)faith and love, and as a (T)helmet, the (U)hope of salvation. For God has not destined us for (V)wrath, but for (W)obtaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, 10 (X)who died for us, so that whether we are awake or asleep, we will live together with Him. 11 Therefore, [g]encourage one another and (Y)build one another up, just as you also are doing.

Christian Conduct

12 But we ask you, brothers and sisters, to (Z)recognize those (AA)who diligently labor among you and [h](AB)are in leadership over you in the Lord, and give you [i]instruction, 13 and that you regard them very highly in love because of their work. (AC)Live in peace with one another. 14 We urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish (AD)the [j]unruly, encourage (AE)the fainthearted, help (AF)the weak, be (AG)patient with everyone. 15 See that (AH)no one repays another with evil for evil, but always (AI)seek what is good for one another and for all people. 16 (AJ)Rejoice always, 17 (AK)pray without ceasing, 18 in everything (AL)give thanks; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 19 (AM)Do not quench the Spirit, 20 do not utterly reject [k](AN)prophecies, 21 but (AO)examine everything; (AP)hold firmly to that which is good, 22 abstain from every [l]form of evil.

23 Now (AQ)may the God of peace (AR)Himself sanctify you entirely; and may your (AS)spirit and soul and body be kept complete, (AT)without blame at (AU)the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. 24 (AV)Faithful is He who (AW)calls you, and He also will do it.

25 Brothers and sisters, (AX)pray for us[m].

26 (AY)Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss. 27 I put you under oath by the Lord to (AZ)have this letter read to all the (BA)brothers and sisters.

28 (BB)May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.

Notas al pie

  1. 1 Thessalonians 5:1 I.e., the end times
  2. 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Lit is coming
  3. 1 Thessalonians 5:4 One early ms like thieves
  4. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 Lit the rest (of mankind)
  5. 1 Thessalonians 5:6 Or self-controlled
  6. 1 Thessalonians 5:8 Or self-controlled
  7. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 Or comfort
  8. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Or care for you
  9. 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Or admonition
  10. 1 Thessalonians 5:14 Or undisciplined
  11. 1 Thessalonians 5:20 Or prophetic gifts
  12. 1 Thessalonians 5:22 Or appearance
  13. 1 Thessalonians 5:25 Two early mss add also

The Day of the Lord

Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates(A) we do not need to write to you,(B) for you know very well that the day of the Lord(C) will come like a thief in the night.(D) While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”(E) destruction will come on them suddenly,(F) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.(G)

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness(H) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.(I) You are all children of the light(J) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,(K) but let us be awake(L) and sober.(M) For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.(N) But since we belong to the day,(O) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,(P) and the hope of salvation(Q) as a helmet.(R) For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath(S) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.(T) 10 He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.(U) 11 Therefore encourage one another(V) and build each other up,(W) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

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

16 Rejoice always,(AE) 17 pray continually,(AF) 18 give thanks in all circumstances;(AG) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

19 Do not quench the Spirit.(AH) 20 Do not treat prophecies(AI) with contempt 21 but test them all;(AJ) hold on to what is good,(AK) 22 reject every kind of evil.

23 May God himself, the God of peace,(AL) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul(AM) and body be kept blameless(AN) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.(AO) 24 The one who calls(AP) you is faithful,(AQ) and he will do it.(AR)

25 Brothers and sisters, pray for us.(AS) 26 Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.(AT) 27 I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.(AU)

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

Giving Thanks for Faith and Perseverance

(A)Paul, (B)Silvanus, and (C)Timothy,

To the (D)church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: (E)Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

We ought always (F)to give thanks to God for you, (G)brothers and sisters, as is only fitting, because your faith is increasing abundantly, and the (H)love of each and every one of you toward one another grows ever greater. As a result, we ourselves (I)speak proudly of you among (J)the churches of God for your [a]perseverance and faith [b](K)in the midst of all your persecutions and afflictions which you endure. This is [c]a (L)plain indication of God’s righteous judgment so that you will be (M)considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you indeed are suffering. [d]For after all (N)it is only right [e]for God to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to give relief to you who are afflicted, along with us, [f](O)when the Lord Jesus will be revealed (P)from heaven (Q)with [g]His mighty angels (R)in flaming fire, dealing out retribution to those who (S)do not know God, and to those who (T)do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus. These people will pay the penalty of (U)eternal destruction, (V)away from the presence of the Lord and from the glory of His power, 10 when He comes to be (W)glorified among His [h]saints on that (X)day, and to be marveled at among all who have believed—because our (Y)testimony to you was believed. 11 To this end also we (Z)pray for you always, that our God will (AA)consider you worthy of your (AB)calling, and fulfill every desire for (AC)goodness and the (AD)work of faith with power, 12 so that the (AE)name of our Lord Jesus will be glorified in you, and you in Him, in accordance with the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.

Notas al pie

  1. 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Or steadfastness
  2. 2 Thessalonians 1:4 Or during all
  3. 2 Thessalonians 1:5 Or proof of
  4. 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Lit If indeed
  5. 2 Thessalonians 1:6 Or in the sight of
  6. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 Lit at the revelation of the Lord Jesus
  7. 2 Thessalonians 1:7 Lit the angels of His power
  8. 2 Thessalonians 1:10 Lit holy ones; i.e., God’s people

Paul, Silas[a](A) and Timothy,(B)

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

Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.(D)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

We ought always to thank God for you,(E) brothers and sisters,[b] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.(F) Therefore, among God’s churches we boast(G) about your perseverance and faith(H) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.(I)

All this is evidence(J) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy(K) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. God is just:(L) He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you(M) and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven(N) in blazing fire(O) with his powerful angels.(P) He will punish(Q) those who do not know God(R) and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.(S) They will be punished with everlasting destruction(T) and shut out from the presence of the Lord(U) and from the glory of his might(V) 10 on the day(W) he comes to be glorified(X) 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.(Y)

11 With this in mind, we constantly pray for you,(Z) that our God may make you worthy(AA) of his calling,(AB) and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness(AC) and your every deed prompted by faith.(AD) 12 We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,(AE) and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.[c]

Notas al pie

  1. 2 Thessalonians 1:1 Greek Silvanus, a variant of Silas
  2. 2 Thessalonians 1:3 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 2:1, 13, 15; 3:1, 6, 13.
  3. 2 Thessalonians 1:12 Or God and Lord, Jesus Christ

Man of Lawlessness

Now we ask you, (A)brothers and sisters, regarding the [a](B)coming of our Lord Jesus Christ and our (C)gathering together to Him, that you not be quickly shaken from your [b]composure or be disturbed either by a (D)spirit, or a [c](E)message, or a (F)letter as if from us, to the effect that (G)the day of the Lord (H)has come. (I)No one is to deceive you in any way! For it will not come unless the [d](J)apostasy comes first, and the (K)man of lawlessness is revealed, the (L)son of destruction, who opposes and exalts himself above [e](M)every so-called god or object of worship, so that he takes his seat in the temple of God, (N)displaying himself as being God. Do you not remember that (O)while I was still with you, I was telling you these things? And you know (P)what restrains him now, so that he will be revealed in his time. For (Q)the mystery of lawlessness is already at work; only [f](R)He who now restrains will do so until [g]He is [h]removed. Then that lawless one (S)will be revealed, whom the Lord will eliminate (T)with the breath of His mouth and bring to an end by the (U)appearance of His [i]coming; that is, the one whose [j]coming is in accord with the activity of (V)Satan, with all power and false [k](W)signs and wonders, 10 and with [l]all the deception of wickedness for (X)those who perish, because they did not accept the love of (Y)the truth so as to be saved. 11 For this reason (Z)God [m]will send upon them [n]a (AA)deluding influence so that they will believe [o]what is false, 12 in order that they all may be [p]judged who (AB)did not believe the truth, but [q](AC)took pleasure in wickedness.

Stand Firm

13 (AD)But we should always give thanks to God for you, (AE)brothers and sisters beloved by the Lord, because (AF)God has chosen you [r]from the beginning (AG)for salvation [s](AH)through sanctification [t]by the Spirit and faith in the truth. 14 It was for this He (AI)called you through (AJ)our gospel, [u]that you may obtain the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ. 15 So then, brothers and sisters, (AK)stand firm and (AL)hold on to the traditions which you were taught, whether (AM)by word of mouth or (AN)by letter [v]from us.

16 (AO)Now may our Lord Jesus Christ (AP)Himself and God our Father, who has (AQ)loved us and given us eternal comfort and (AR)good hope by grace, 17 (AS)comfort and (AT)strengthen your hearts in every good work and word.

Notas al pie

  1. 2 Thessalonians 2:1 Or presence
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Lit mind
  3. 2 Thessalonians 2:2 Lit word
  4. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Or falling away from the faith
  5. 2 Thessalonians 2:4 Or everyone who is called God
  6. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Or he
  7. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Or he
  8. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 Or out of the way
  9. 2 Thessalonians 2:8 Or presence
  10. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 Or presence
  11. 2 Thessalonians 2:9 I.e., confirming miracles
  12. 2 Thessalonians 2:10 Or every deception
  13. 2 Thessalonians 2:11 Lit is sending
  14. 2 Thessalonians 2:11 Lit an activity of error
  15. 2 Thessalonians 2:11 Or the lie
  16. 2 Thessalonians 2:12 Or condemned
  17. 2 Thessalonians 2:12 Or approved
  18. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 One early ms first fruits
  19. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Lit in
  20. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Lit of
  21. 2 Thessalonians 2:14 Lit to the obtaining of
  22. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Lit of

The Man of Lawlessness

Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ(A) and our being gathered to him,(B) we ask you, brothers and sisters, 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(C)—asserting that the day of the Lord(D) has already come.(E) Don’t let anyone deceive you(F) in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion(G) occurs and the man of lawlessness[a] is revealed,(H) the man doomed to destruction. He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God(I) or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.(J)

Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?(K) And now you know what is holding him back,(L) so that he may be revealed at the proper time. For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back(M) will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. And then the lawless one will be revealed,(N) whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth(O) and destroy by the splendor of his coming.(P) The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan(Q) works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders(R) that serve the lie, 10 and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.(S) They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.(T) 11 For this reason God sends them(U) a powerful delusion(V) so that they will believe the lie(W) 12 and so that all will be condemned who have not believed the truth but have delighted in wickedness.(X)

Stand Firm

13 But we ought always to thank God for you,(Y) brothers and sisters loved by the Lord, because God chose you as firstfruits[b](Z) to be saved(AA) through the sanctifying work of the Spirit(AB) and through belief in the truth. 14 He called you(AC) to this through our gospel,(AD) that you might share in the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

16 May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father,(AG) who loved us(AH) and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, 17 encourage(AI) your hearts and strengthen(AJ) you in every good deed and word.

Notas al pie

  1. 2 Thessalonians 2:3 Some manuscripts sin
  2. 2 Thessalonians 2:13 Some manuscripts because from the beginning God chose you
  3. 2 Thessalonians 2:15 Or traditions

Request for Prayer

(A)Finally, brothers and sisters, (B)pray for us that (C)the word of the Lord will [a]spread rapidly and be glorified, just as it was also with you; and that we will be (D)rescued from troublesome and evil people; for not all have the faith. But (E)the Lord is faithful, [b]and He will strengthen and protect you [c]from (F)the evil one. We have (G)confidence in the Lord concerning you, that you (H)are doing, and will do, what we command. May the Lord (I)direct your hearts to the love of God and to the perseverance of Christ.

Now we command you, brothers and sisters, (J)in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that you [d](K)keep away from every brother or sister who [e]leads a [f](L)disorderly life and not one in accordance with (M)the tradition which [g]you received from us. For you yourselves know how you ought to [h](N)follow our example, because we did not act in an undisciplined way among you, nor did we (O)eat [i]anyone’s bread [j]without paying for it, but with (P)labor and hardship we kept (Q)working night and day so that we would not be a burden to any of you; not because we do not have (R)the right to this, but in order to offer ourselves (S)as a role model for you, so that you would [k]follow our example. 10 For even (T)when we were with you, we used to give you this order: (U)if anyone is not willing to work, then he is not to eat, either. 11 For we hear that some among you are (V)leading an undisciplined life, doing no work at all, but acting like (W)busybodies. 12 Now we command and (X)exhort such persons in the Lord Jesus Christ to (Y)work [l]peacefully and eat their own bread. 13 But as for you, (Z)brothers and sisters, (AA)do not grow weary of doing good.

14 If anyone does not obey our [m]instruction [n](AB)in this letter, take special note of that person so as (AC)not to associate with him, so that he will be (AD)put to shame. 15 And yet (AE)do not regard that person as an enemy, but [o](AF)admonish that one as a (AG)brother or sister.

16 Now (AH)may the Lord of peace (AI)Himself continually grant you peace in every [p]circumstance. (AJ)The Lord be with you all!

17 [q]I, Paul, write this greeting (AK)with my own hand, and this is a distinguishing mark in every letter; this is the way I write. 18 (AL)The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all.

Notas al pie

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:1 Lit run
  2. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Lit who will
  3. 2 Thessalonians 3:3 Or from evil
  4. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or avoid
  5. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Lit walks disorderly
  6. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or undisciplined
  7. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 One early ms they
  8. 2 Thessalonians 3:7 Or imitate us
  9. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Lit from anyone
  10. 2 Thessalonians 3:8 Lit freely
  11. 2 Thessalonians 3:9 Or imitate us
  12. 2 Thessalonians 3:12 Lit with quietness
  13. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Lit word
  14. 2 Thessalonians 3:14 Lit through
  15. 2 Thessalonians 3:15 Or keep admonishing
  16. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Lit way
  17. 2 Thessalonians 3:17 Lit The greeting by my hand of Paul

Request for Prayer

As for other matters, brothers and sisters,(A) pray for us(B) that the message of the Lord(C) may spread rapidly and be honored, just as it was with you.(D) And pray that we may be delivered from wicked and evil people,(E) for not everyone has faith. But the Lord is faithful,(F) and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.(G) We have confidence(H) in the Lord that you are doing and will continue to do the things we command. May the Lord direct your hearts(I) into God’s love and Christ’s perseverance.

Warning Against Idleness

In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ,(J) we command you, brothers and sisters, to keep away from(K) every believer who is idle and disruptive(L) and does not live according to the teaching[a] you received from us.(M) For you yourselves know how you ought to follow our example.(N) We were not idle when we were with you, nor did we eat anyone’s food without paying for it. On the contrary, we worked(O) night and day, laboring and toiling so that we would not be a burden to any of you. We did this, not because we do not have the right to such help,(P) but in order to offer ourselves as a model for you to imitate.(Q) 10 For even when we were with you,(R) we gave you this rule: “The one who is unwilling to work(S) shall not eat.”

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

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

Final Greetings

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

17 I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand,(AC) 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.(AD)

Notas al pie

  1. 2 Thessalonians 3:6 Or tradition