⁴ always in every one of my prayers for all of you, praying with joy

The Thessalonians’ Faith and Example

² We always give thanks to God for all of you and mention you in our prayers, constantly^(A)

Truth and Love

⁴ I was overjoyed to find some of your children walking in the truth, just as we have been commanded by the Father.

⁹ For God, whom I serve with my spirit by announcing the gospel^[a] of his Son, is my witness that without ceasing I remember you always in my prayers,^(A)

⁷ I have^[a] indeed received much joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed through you, my brother.^(A)

¹⁹ For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you?^{(A) 20} Yes, you are our glory and joy!

¹⁴ this^[a] is the pledge of our inheritance toward redemption as God’s own people, to the praise of his glory.^(A)

Paul’s Prayer

¹⁵ I have heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love^[b] toward all the saints, and for this reason ¹⁶ I do not cease to give thanks for you as I remember you in my prayers,^{(B) 17} that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you a spirit of wisdom and revelation as you come to know him,^{(C) 18} so that, with the eyes of your heart enlightened, you may perceive what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance among the saints, ¹⁹ and what is the immeasurable greatness of his power for us who believe, according to the working of his great power. ²⁰ God^[c] put this power to work in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places,^{[d](D) 21} far above all rule and authority and power and dominion and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the age to come.^{(E) 22} And he has put all things under his feet and has made him the head over all things for the church,^{(F) 23} which is his body, the fullness of him who fills all in all.^(G)

⁵ For though I am absent in body, yet I am with you in spirit, and I rejoice to see your orderly conduct and the firmness of your faith in Christ.^(A)

4 ¹ Therefore, my brothers and sisters, whom I love and long for, my joy and crown, stand firm in the Lord in this way, my beloved.

¹⁸ For many live as enemies of the cross of Christ; I have often told you of them, and now I tell you even with tears.^(A)