My goal is that their hearts, having been knit together in love, may be encouraged, and that they may have all the riches that assurance brings in their understanding of the knowledge of the mystery of God, namely, Christ,

Let no one who delights in humility and the worship of angels pass judgment on you. That person goes on at great lengths about what he has supposedly seen, but he is puffed up with empty notions by his fleshly mind.

Therefore, if you have been raised with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.

Here there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all and in all.

Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, because you know that you also have a master in heaven.

And after you have read this letter, have it read to the church of Laodicea. In turn, read the letter from Laodicea as well.

From Paul and Silvanus and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Grace and peace to you!

And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.

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.

For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you?

In this matter no one should violate the rights of his brother or take advantage of him, because the Lord is the avenger in all these cases, as we also told you earlier and warned you solemnly.

And indeed you are practicing it toward all the brothers and sisters in all of Macedonia. But we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,

Then we who are alive, who are left, will be suddenly caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will always be with the Lord.

Now when they are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction comes on them, like labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will surely not escape.

and to you who are being afflicted to give rest together with us when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels.

With flaming fire he will mete out punishment on those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.

and with every kind of evil deception directed against those who are perishing, because they found no place in their hearts for the truth so as to be saved.

and we did not eat anyone’s food without paying. Instead, in toil and drudgery we worked night and day in order not to burden any of you.

Now such people we command and urge in the Lord Jesus Christ to work quietly and so provide their own food to eat.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.