and by not being intimidated in any way by your opponents. This is a sign of their destruction, but of your salvation – a sign which is from God.

In fact he became so ill that he nearly died. But God showed mercy to him – and not to him only, but also to me – so that I would not have grief on top of grief.

Finally, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! To write this again is no trouble to me, and it is a safeguard for you.

Not that I have already attained this – that is, I have not already been perfected – but I strive to lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus also laid hold of me.

For many live, about whom I have often told you, and now, with tears, I tell you that they are the enemies of the cross of Christ.

For I have received everything, and I have plenty. I have all I need because I received from Epaphroditus what you sent – a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, very pleasing to God.

because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins, but wrath has come upon them completely.

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.

Now may God our Father himself and our Lord Jesus direct our way to you.

And may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love for one another and for all, just as we do for you,

Now on the topic of brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write you, for you yourselves are taught by God to love one another.

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,

Now we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers and sisters, about those who are asleep, so that you will not grieve like the rest who have no hope.

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

And we urge you, brothers and sisters, admonish the undisciplined, comfort the discouraged, help the weak, be patient toward all.

Now may the Lord direct your hearts toward the love of God and the endurance of Christ.

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

But if anyone does not obey our message through this letter, take note of him and do not associate closely with him, so that he may be ashamed.

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

realizing that law is not intended for a righteous person, but for lawless and rebellious people, for the ungodly and sinners, for the unholy and profane, for those who kill their fathers or mothers, for murderers,