For we know, brothers and sisters beloved by God, that he has chosen you,

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

You yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not in vain,

You remember our labor and toil, brothers and sisters; we worked night and day so that we might not burden any of you while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you suffered the same things from your own compatriots as they did from the Jews

Paul’s Desire to Visit the Thessalonians Again

As for us, brothers and sisters, when for a short time we were made orphans by being separated from you—in person, not in heart—we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face.

For this reason, brothers and sisters, during all our distress and persecution we have been encouraged about you through your faith.

A Life Pleasing to God

Finally, brothers and sisters, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus that, as you learned from us how you ought to live and to please God (as, in fact, you are doing), you should do so more and more.

Now concerning love of the brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anyone write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another,

and indeed you do love all the brothers and sisters throughout Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,

The Coming of the Lord

But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who have died, so that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope.

Now concerning the times and the seasons, brothers and sisters, you do not need to have anything written to you.

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness, for that day to surprise you like a thief;

Final Exhortations, Greetings, and Benediction

But we appeal to you, brothers and sisters, to respect those who labor among you and have charge of you in the Lord and admonish you;

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, to admonish the idlers, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with all of them.

Brothers and sisters, pray for us.

Greet all the brothers and sisters with a holy kiss.

I solemnly command you by the Lord that this letter be read to all the brothers and sisters.