-
For we know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,
-
Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica
You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results.
-
Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
-
For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people the same things those churches suffered from the Jews
-
Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians
But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought), out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.
-
We sent Timothy, who is our brother and co-worker in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ, to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,
-
Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.
-
Living to Please God
As for other matters, brothers and sisters, we instructed you how to live in order to please God, as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more.
-
and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister. The Lord will punish all those who commit such sins, as we told you and warned you before.
-
And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia. Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,
-
Believers Who Have Died
Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed about those who sleep in death, so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.
-
The Day of the Lord
Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates we do not need to write to you,
-
But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness so that this day should surprise you like a thief.
-
Final Instructions
Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you.
-
And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone.
-
Brothers and sisters, pray for us.
-
I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.
