We know, brothers and sisters loved by God, that he has chosen you,

For we never appeared with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness –

For you know what commands we gave you through the Lord Jesus.

that each of you know how to possess his own body in holiness and honor,

not in lustful passion like the Gentiles who do not know God.

For you know quite well that the day of the Lord will come in the same way as a thief in the night.

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless.

As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children,

so that no one would be shaken by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.

For in fact when we were with you, we were telling you in advance that we would suffer affliction, and so it has happened, as you well know.

But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in spite of much opposition.

But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, for a short time (in presence, not in affection) we became all the more fervent in our great desire to see you in person.

We pray earnestly night and day to see you in person and make up what may be lacking in your faith.

Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who labor among you and preside over you in the Lord and admonish you,

in that our gospel did not come to you merely in words, but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you).

But now Timothy has come to us from you and given us the good news of your faith and love and that you always think of us with affection and long to see us just as we also long to see you!