Therefore do not let anyone judge you with respect to food or drink, or in the matter of a feast, new moon, or Sabbath days –

Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you should answer everyone.

As a result you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

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

nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others,

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

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.

For this is God’s will: that you become holy, that you keep away from sexual immorality,

But you, brothers and sisters, are not in the darkness for the day to overtake you like a thief would.

For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

Now regarding the arrival of our Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered to be with him, we ask you, brothers and sisters,

He called you to this salvation through our gospel, so that you may possess the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.

But the Lord is faithful, and he will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one.

And we are confident about you in the Lord that you are both doing – and will do – what we are commanding.

It was not because we do not have that right, but to give ourselves as an example for you to imitate.

So we can say with confidence, “The Lord is my helper, and I will not be afraid. What can man do to me?”

Now I urge you, brothers and sisters, bear with my message of exhortation, for in fact I have written to you briefly.

You should know that our brother Timothy has been released. If he comes soon, he will be with me when I see you.

Greetings to all your leaders and all the saints. Those from Italy send you greetings.

But you have dishonored the poor! Are not the rich oppressing you and dragging you into the courts?