While in Athens, Paul sent word for Timothy to return to Thessalonica to check in on the church there. When Paul finally left Athens he went to Corinth where he met a man named Aquila who had left Italy with his wife Priscilla because Claudius had ordered all Jews to leave. Paul assisted them in their work making tents along with speaking regularly at the synagogue. Paul sent word to Silas and Timothy in Macedonia. After Timothy recounted his time in Thessalonica, Paul felt called to reach out and encourage the church with a letter, on behalf of Silas, Timothy, and himself.
To the church in Thessalonica, grace and peace to you. I always thank God for you when I am praying because of the work you have been doing, motivated by your faith, love, and hope in Jesus.
I know that God has chosen you because when you heard the story of Jesus it wasn’t just words, it came with the power of the Holy Spirit. When I lived with you you welcomed my words with joy even though you were suffering. You became a model for all believers in Macedonia. Your faith is known everywhere so I don’t need to say any more about it.
You’ve heard the stories of how I was arrested and beaten in Philippi, but with God’s help I dared to share the story of Jesus with you even though there was strong opposition. This story is true, it wasn’t created to trick you. I’m not trying to please YOU with this story, but God, who tests our hearts. You know I never tried to flatter you or cover up some hidden greed.
I cared for you like a mother with a newborn baby. I loved you, so I was happy to not only share the story of Jesus, but life with you as well. You remember how hard I was always working to make sure I was never a burden on anyone. God is my witness, and you as well, that I always behaved righteously. I encouraged and comforted you while urging you to live lives worthy of God’s kingdom that you are a part of.
I thank God that you understood that the story of Jesus is not some person’s words, but God’s. You suffered for your beliefs. Those who attack the church, the same ones who killed Jesus and drove us out of Jerusalem, displease God. They try to keep this saving message from you. They are piling sins on top of sins and God’s wrath is coming for them.
When I was separated from you I tried so hard to see you again, but Satan blocked the way. When our lord Jesus comes again you will be like a crown of joy and glory for me. So when I couldn’t take it anymore I sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage you.
You know that I was destined for the hardships I am facing. When I was with you I told you this all would happen. And that’s what happened. So I was worried about you, that you might have been tempted away from faith in Jesus while I was gone.
But when Timothy returned to me he came with good news about your faith and love. He told me about the pleasant memories you have of me and how you want to see me again too. So even though I am dealing with hardships, this news encouraged me. I can’t thank God enough for the joy your strong faith brings me. Still I pray daily that I’ll get to see you again. Until that time I hope your love for everyone grows until it overflows.
We taught you how to live in a way that pleases God and you have been doing a great job. So I would just urge you to keep doing these things more and more. You are holy and have been set apart by God, so live a life that reflects this truth. Be pure and in control in how you use your bodies, not blindly following your passions like those who worship other gods. Anyone who rejects this teaching isn’t rejecting a man, but God.
Now, I don’t want you to grieve about what happens to followers of Jesus who have already died. We believe that Jesus died and was brought back to life and so believe that those who die that have faith will also be with Jesus. And those of us who are still alive when Jesus returns will not go before those who have already died. Jesus himself will come down from heaven and with a loud command, a trumpet call of God, dead followers will rise first. After that, those followers who are still living will rise up together into the clouds to meet Jesus and be with him forever. Encourage each other with these words.
You already know that Jesus will come like a thief in the night, bringing judgment on the world when it least expects it. But you won’t be surprised because you live in the light of day. Don’t live like those who are asleep to the truth. Armor yourselves in faith, love, and hope. We were destined for God’s wrath, but we will be saved through Jesus’ sacrifice. So continue to encourage and strengthen each other.
Be sure to show appreciation for those among you who are working hard to strengthen your faith. Warn those who are being disruptive. Encourage the disheartened. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. Do not seek revenge and always work for everyone’s good. Give thanks and pray always. Regarding prophecies, be wise. Hold on to what is good and reject what is bad.
May God make you blameless for the return of Jesus.
Paul.
As Paul continued to live and work in Corinth, he received news from Thessalonica and wrote them a second letter in response.
I’m so thankful to God for you because you keep growing more and more in your faith and love even though you are enduring hardships. I brag about you to everyone I meet. I know you will be counted worthy by God because of all this. God is just. Whether it is those that cause suffering or those that suffer, all will receive what they deserve in the end. When Jesus returns, those who have not believed the story of Jesus will receive everlasting destruction and be shut out of the presence of God. So I pray that every desire you have for goodness will be granted by God so that Jesus will continue to be glorified.
Don’t be deceived by anyone who says Jesus has already returned. Jesus will not return until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, a man destined to be destroyed by the breath of Jesus. He will claim he is greater than everyone, even God. In fact he will set himself in God’s temple and say that he IS God. He will show miraculous displays of power to support his lie. And all those who are already dying in their spirits because they did not love the truth will be deceived. I talked to you about this when we were together. His lawless power is already at work, but he is being held back for now.
But I thank God for you, who are like the firstfruits of Jesus purifying work. So stand firm and hold fast to the teachings I gave you. May Jesus himself, and God the father who loved us and gave us eternal hope and encouragement encourage and strengthen you in every good thing you do.
Pray for me that I would be able to continue sharing the story of Jesus quickly and effectively. Pray that I will be protected from evil people who do not believe. God is faithful and will strengthen and protect you from Satan. I know you’re going to do great.
With the authority of Jesus I command you to stay away from followers of Jesus who are disruptive, lazy, and don’t obey the teachings you’ve been given. That’s not the way I acted when I was with you. In addition to teaching you, I was also employed so I wouldn’t be a burden on you. I did this, not because I don’t have a right to be paid for my work as a teacher, but to give you a model to imitate. To any of you who are being lazy, you need to earn the food you eat.
If anyone does not listen to this advice, do not associate with them. They are not your enemy, but hopefully they will see this as a warning about their behavior.
May Jesus, the prince of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way.
Paul.
While Paul was living and teaching in Corinth, the Jews there refused to listen and became abusive. He said to them, “Your fate is up to each one of you, not me. From now on I will speak with the gentiles.
That night, God spoke to Paul in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid to keep speaking. I’m with you and no one is going to harm you here. So Paul stayed in Corinth for over a year and many people came to believe in Jesus. Eventually some Corinthian Jews brought Paul to Gallio, the governor of that region, and said, “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways that break Roman law.”
But Gallio said, “If you Jews were making a complaint about something serious, I would listen. But these are questions about words and names from your own law and religion, figure it out yourself. I’m not getting involved.” So the mob took the synagogue leader who had continued to allow Paul to teach and beat him in front of Gallio, but the governor showed no concern whatsoever.
To the church in Thessalonica, grace and peace to you. I always thank God for you when I am praying because of the work you have been doing, motivated by your faith, love, and hope in Jesus.
I know that God has chosen you because when you heard the story of Jesus it wasn’t just words, it came with the power of the Holy Spirit. When I lived with you you welcomed my words with joy even though you were suffering. You became a model for all believers in Macedonia. Your faith is known everywhere so I don’t need to say any more about it.
You’ve heard the stories of how I was arrested and beaten in Philippi, but with God’s help I dared to share the story of Jesus with you even though there was strong opposition. This story is true, it wasn’t created to trick you. I’m not trying to please YOU with this story, but God, who tests our hearts. You know I never tried to flatter you or cover up some hidden greed.
I cared for you like a mother with a newborn baby. I loved you, so I was happy to not only share the story of Jesus, but life with you as well. You remember how hard I was always working to make sure I was never a burden on anyone. God is my witness, and you as well, that I always behaved righteously. I encouraged and comforted you while urging you to live lives worthy of God’s kingdom that you are a part of.
I thank God that you understood that the story of Jesus is not some person’s words, but God’s. You suffered for your beliefs. Those who attack the church, the same ones who killed Jesus and drove us out of Jerusalem, displease God. They try to keep this saving message from you. They are piling sins on top of sins and God’s wrath is coming for them.
When I was separated from you I tried so hard to see you again, but Satan blocked the way. When our lord Jesus comes again you will be like a crown of joy and glory for me. So when I couldn’t take it anymore I sent Timothy to strengthen and encourage you.
You know that I was destined for the hardships I am facing. When I was with you I told you this all would happen. And that’s what happened. So I was worried about you, that you might have been tempted away from faith in Jesus while I was gone.
But when Timothy returned to me he came with good news about your faith and love. He told me about the pleasant memories you have of me and how you want to see me again too. So even though I am dealing with hardships, this news encouraged me. I can’t thank God enough for the joy your strong faith brings me. Still I pray daily that I’ll get to see you again. Until that time I hope your love for everyone grows until it overflows.
We taught you how to live in a way that pleases God and you have been doing a great job. So I would just urge you to keep doing these things more and more. You are holy and have been set apart by God, so live a life that reflects this truth. Be pure and in control in how you use your bodies, not blindly following your passions like those who worship other gods. Anyone who rejects this teaching isn’t rejecting a man, but God.
Now, I don’t want you to grieve about what happens to followers of Jesus who have already died. We believe that Jesus died and was brought back to life and so believe that those who die that have faith will also be with Jesus. And those of us who are still alive when Jesus returns will not go before those who have already died. Jesus himself will come down from heaven and with a loud command, a trumpet call of God, dead followers will rise first. After that, those followers who are still living will rise up together into the clouds to meet Jesus and be with him forever. Encourage each other with these words.
You already know that Jesus will come like a thief in the night, bringing judgment on the world when it least expects it. But you won’t be surprised because you live in the light of day. Don’t live like those who are asleep to the truth. Armor yourselves in faith, love, and hope. We were destined for God’s wrath, but we will be saved through Jesus’ sacrifice. So continue to encourage and strengthen each other.
Be sure to show appreciation for those among you who are working hard to strengthen your faith. Warn those who are being disruptive. Encourage the disheartened. Help the weak. Be patient with everyone. Do not seek revenge and always work for everyone’s good. Give thanks and pray always. Regarding prophecies, be wise. Hold on to what is good and reject what is bad.
May God make you blameless for the return of Jesus.
Paul.
As Paul continued to live and work in Corinth, he received news from Thessalonica and wrote them a second letter in response.
I’m so thankful to God for you because you keep growing more and more in your faith and love even though you are enduring hardships. I brag about you to everyone I meet. I know you will be counted worthy by God because of all this. God is just. Whether it is those that cause suffering or those that suffer, all will receive what they deserve in the end. When Jesus returns, those who have not believed the story of Jesus will receive everlasting destruction and be shut out of the presence of God. So I pray that every desire you have for goodness will be granted by God so that Jesus will continue to be glorified.
Don’t be deceived by anyone who says Jesus has already returned. Jesus will not return until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, a man destined to be destroyed by the breath of Jesus. He will claim he is greater than everyone, even God. In fact he will set himself in God’s temple and say that he IS God. He will show miraculous displays of power to support his lie. And all those who are already dying in their spirits because they did not love the truth will be deceived. I talked to you about this when we were together. His lawless power is already at work, but he is being held back for now.
But I thank God for you, who are like the firstfruits of Jesus purifying work. So stand firm and hold fast to the teachings I gave you. May Jesus himself, and God the father who loved us and gave us eternal hope and encouragement encourage and strengthen you in every good thing you do.
Pray for me that I would be able to continue sharing the story of Jesus quickly and effectively. Pray that I will be protected from evil people who do not believe. God is faithful and will strengthen and protect you from Satan. I know you’re going to do great.
With the authority of Jesus I command you to stay away from followers of Jesus who are disruptive, lazy, and don’t obey the teachings you’ve been given. That’s not the way I acted when I was with you. In addition to teaching you, I was also employed so I wouldn’t be a burden on you. I did this, not because I don’t have a right to be paid for my work as a teacher, but to give you a model to imitate. To any of you who are being lazy, you need to earn the food you eat.
If anyone does not listen to this advice, do not associate with them. They are not your enemy, but hopefully they will see this as a warning about their behavior.
May Jesus, the prince of peace, give you peace at all times and in every way.
Paul.
While Paul was living and teaching in Corinth, the Jews there refused to listen and became abusive. He said to them, “Your fate is up to each one of you, not me. From now on I will speak with the gentiles.
That night, God spoke to Paul in a vision, saying, “Don’t be afraid to keep speaking. I’m with you and no one is going to harm you here. So Paul stayed in Corinth for over a year and many people came to believe in Jesus. Eventually some Corinthian Jews brought Paul to Gallio, the governor of that region, and said, “This man is persuading the people to worship God in ways that break Roman law.”
But Gallio said, “If you Jews were making a complaint about something serious, I would listen. But these are questions about words and names from your own law and religion, figure it out yourself. I’m not getting involved.” So the mob took the synagogue leader who had continued to allow Paul to teach and beat him in front of Gallio, but the governor showed no concern whatsoever.
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