Study Desk

for the gospel we broughtour gospel">[fn] did not come to you in words only, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. Indeed,Just as">[fn] you know what kind of people we proved to be while we were with you, acting on your behalf.Mark 16:20; 1 Corinthians 2:4; 4:20; 2 Corinthians 6:6; Colossians 2:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:1,5, 10-11; 2 Thessalonians 3:7; Hebrews 2:3;">[xr]

As a result, you became a model for all the believers in Macedonia and Achaia.

For peoplethey">[fn] keep telling us what kind of welcome you gave us and how you turned away from idols to serve a living and true God1 Corinthians 12:2; Galatians 4:8; 1 Thessalonians 2:1;">[xr]

and to wait for his Son whom he raised from the dead to come backto come back">[fn] from heaven. This Jesus is the one who rescues us from the coming wrath.Matthew 3:7; Acts 1:11; 2:24; Romans 2:7; 5:9; Philippians 3:20; 1 Thessalonians 4:16; 5:9; 2 Thessalonians 1:7; Titus 2:13; 2 Peter 3:12; Revelation 1:7;">[xr]

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a waste of time.1 Thessalonians 1:5,9;">[xr]

For our appeal does not spring from deceit, impure motives, or trickery.2 Corinthians 7:2; 1 Thessalonians 2:5; 2 Peter 1:16;">[xr]

even though as apostles of Christ we might have made such demands. Instead, we were gentleinfants">[fn] among you, like a nursing mother tenderly caring for her own children.1 Corinthians 2:3; 9:22; 2 Corinthians 13:4; 2 Timothy 2:24;">[xr]

We cared so deeply for you that we were determined to share with you not only the gospel of God but our very lives. That is how dear you were to us.Romans 1:11; 15:29; 2 Corinthians 12:15;">[xr]

Here is another reason why we constantly give thanks to God: When you received God's word, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as the word of humans but for what it really is - the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.Matthew 10:40; Galatians 4:14; 1 Thessalonians 1:3; 2 Peter 3:2;">[xr]

For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in union with Christ Jesus. You suffered the same persecutions from the people of your own country as they did from those JewsActs 17:5,13; Galatians 1:22; Hebrews 10:33-34;">[xr]

Brothers, although we have been separated from you for a little while - in person but not in heart - we desire with great eagerness to see you again face to face.1 Corinthians 5:3; Colossians 2:5; 1 Thessalonians 3:10;">[xr]

and send Timothy, our brother and fellow worker for God in the gospel of Christ,of Christ">[fn] to strengthen and encourage you in your faith,Romans 16:21; 1 Corinthians 16:10; 2 Corinthians 1:19;">[xr]

so that no one would be shaken by these persecutions. Indeed, you yourselves know that we were destined for this.Acts 9:16; 14:22; 20:23; 21:11; 1 Corinthians 4:9; Ephesians 3:13; 2 Timothy 3:12; 1 Peter 2:21;">[xr]

For now we can go on living, as long as you continue to stand firm in the Lord.Philippians 4:1;">[xr]

How can we thank God enough for you in return for all the joy that we have in God's presence because of you?1 Thessalonians 1:2;">[xr]

May the Lord greatly increase your lovecause you to increase and abound in love">[fn] for each other and for all people, just as we love you.as we for you">[fn]1 Thessalonians 4:9-10; 5:15; 2 Peter 1:7;">[xr]

For it is God's will that you be sanctified: You must abstain from sexual immorality;Romans 12:2; 1 Corinthians 6:15,18; Ephesians 5:3,17, 27; Colossians 3:5;">[xr]

and you must never take advantage of or exploit a brother in this regard. For the Lord is an avenger in all these things, just as we already told you and warned you.Leviticus 19:11,13; 1 Corinthians 6:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:8;">[xr]

For God did not call us to impurity but to holiness.Leviticus 11:44; 19:2; 1 Corinthians 1:2; Hebrews 12:14; 1 Peter 1:14-15;">[xr]

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so it is through Jesus that God will bring back with him those who have died.1 Corinthians 15:13,18, 23; 1 Thessalonians 3:13;">[xr]