Study Desk

Paul, Silvanus,^[a](a) and Timothy:^(b) To the church of the Thessalonians^(c) in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace to you and peace.^[b]

We always thank God for all of you, remembering you constantly in our prayers.

We recall, in the presence of our God and Father,^(d) your work of faith,^(e) labor of love, and endurance of hope in our Lord Jesus Christ,^(f)

knowing your election,^(g) brothers loved^(h) by God.⁽ⁱ⁾

For our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, in the Holy Spirit,^(j) and with much assurance. You know what kind of men we were among you^(k) for your benefit,

and you became imitators of us and of the Lord when, in spite of severe persecution, you welcomed the message^(l) with joy from the Holy Spirit.

As a result, you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia^(m) and Achaia.⁽ⁿ⁾

For the Lord's message rang out from you, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place that your faith^[c](o) in God has gone out. Therefore, we don't need to say anything,

for they themselves report^[d] what kind of reception^(p) we had from you: how you turned^(q) to God from idols^(r) to serve the living^(s) and true^(t) God

and to wait^(u) for His Son^(v) from heaven, whom He raised from the dead^(w)—Jesus, who rescues us^(x) from the coming wrath.^(y)

For you yourselves know, brothers, that our visit^(a) with you was not without result.

On the contrary, after we had previously suffered,^(b) and we were treated outrageously in Philippi,^(c) as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

For our exhortation didn't come from error or impurity^(d) or an intent to deceive.^(e)

Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted^(f) with the gospel,^(g) so we speak, not to please men, but rather God,^(h) who examines our hearts.⁽ⁱ⁾

For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy^(j) motives^(k)—God is our witness^(l)—

and we didn't seek glory^(m) from people, either from you or from others.

Although we could have been a burden as Christ's apostles,⁽ⁿ⁾ instead we were gentle^[a] among you, as a nursing mother nurtures her own children.

We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers. Working^(o) night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God's gospel to you.

You are witnesses,^(p) and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously,^(q) and blamelessly^(r) we conducted ourselves with you believers.

As you know, like a father with his own children,^(s)

we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God,^(t) who calls you into His own kingdom^(u) and glory.^(v)