Study Desk

You followed our way of life and the life of the Lord. You suffered from others because of listening to us. But you had the joy that came from the Holy Spirit.

Just before we came to you, we had been in the city of Philippi. You know how they worked against us and made us suffer. But God helped us preach the Good News to you without fear, even while many people hated us and made it hard for us.

We never looked for thanks from men, not from you or from anyone else. But because we were missionaries of Christ, we could have asked you to do much for us.

We always thank God that when you heard the Word of God from us, you believed it. You did not receive it as from men, but you received it as the Word of God. That is what it is. It is at work in the lives of you who believe.

They tried to keep us from preaching the Good News to the people who are not Jews. The Jews do not want them saved from the punishment of sin. The lives of the Jews are full of more sin all the time. But now God's anger has come to them at last.

We wanted to come to you. I, Paul, have tried to come to you more than once but Satan kept us from coming.

But Timothy has come to us from you. He brought good news about your faith and love. It is good to know that you think well of us and that you would like to see us. We would like to see you also.

The one who turns away from this teaching does not turn away from man, but from God. It is God Who has given us His Holy Spirit.

You love all the Christians in all the country of Macedonia. But we ask you to love them even more.

But you are not in darkness, Christian brothers. That day will not surprise you as a robber would.

Do not let anyone pay back for the bad he received. But look for ways to do good to each other and to all people.

Our Lord Jesus Christ is coming again. We will be gathered together to meet Him. But we ask you, Christian brothers,

For the secret power of breaking the law is already at work in the world. But that secret power can only do so much until the One Who keeps back the man of sin is taken out of the way.

But the Lord is faithful. He will give you strength and keep you safe from the devil.

We could have asked you to give us food. But we did not so that you might follow our way of living.

We hear that some are not working. But they are spending their time trying to see what others are doing.

But you, Christian brothers, do not get tired of doing good.

Do not think of him as one who hates you. But talk to him as a Christian brother.

But some have turned away from these things. They have turned to foolish talking.

Some of them want to be teachers of the Law. But they do not know what they are talking about even if they act as if they do.