Study Desk

For I bear him witness, that he has much labor for you, and for them in Laodicea, and for them in Hierapolis.

We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention [of you] in our prayers without ceasing,

how that our gospel did not come to you in word only, but also in power, and in the Holy Spirit, and in much assurance; even as you know what manner of men we showed ourselves among you for your sake.

For from you has sounded forth the word of the Lord, not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but in every place your faith toward God has gone forth; so that we don't need to speak anything.

For they themselves report concerning us what manner of entering in we had to you; and how you turned to God from idols, to serve as slaves to a living and true God,

and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, [even] Jesus, who delivers us from the wrath to come.

For yourselves, brothers, know our entering in to you, that it has not been found vain:

For our exhortation [is] not of error, nor of impurity, nor in guile:

For neither at any time were we found using words of flattery, as you know, nor in a cloak of greed, God is witness;

For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail: working night and day, that we might not burden any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

And for this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that, when you received from us the word of the message, [even the word] of God, you accepted [it] not [as] the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you that believe.

For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus: for you also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews;

But we, brothers, being bereaved of you for a short season, in presence not in heart, endeavored the more exceedingly to see your face with great desire:

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not even you, before our Lord Jesus at his coming?

For you are our glory and our joy.

that no man be moved by these afflictions; for yourselves know that hereunto we are appointed.

For truly, when we were with you, we told you beforehand that we are to suffer affliction; even as it came to pass, and you know.

For this cause I also, when I could no longer forbear, sent that I might know your faith, lest by any means the tempter had tempted you, and our labor should be in vain.

for this cause, brothers, we were comforted over you in all our distress and affliction through your faith:

for now we live, if you stand fast in the Lord.