Study Desk

Paul, Silas^[a](a) and Timothy,^(b) To the church of the Thessalonians^(c) in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace and peace to you.^(d)

We always thank God for all of you^(e) and continually mention you in our prayers.^(f)

We remember before our God and Father^(g) your work produced by faith,^(h) your labor prompted by love,⁽ⁱ⁾ and your endurance inspired by hope^(j) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

For we know, brothers and sisters^[b] loved by God,^(k) that he has chosen you,

because our gospel^(l) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(m) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know⁽ⁿ⁾ how we lived among you for your sake.

You became imitators of us^(o) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(p) with the joy^(q) given by the Holy Spirit.^(r)

And so you became a model^(s) to all the believers in Macedonia^(t) and Achaia.^(u)

The Lord's message^(v) rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.^(w) Therefore we do not need to say anything about it,

for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(x) to God from idols^(y) to serve the living and true God,^(z)

and to wait for his Son from heaven,^(aa) whom he raised from the dead^(ab)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.^(ac)