Philippians 3 - 2 Thessalonians 2

New International Version

No Confidence in the Flesh

3 Further, my brothers and sisters, rejoice in the Lord! It is no trouble for me to write the same things to you again,^(A) and it is a safeguard for you. ² Watch out for those dogs,^(B) those evildoers, those mutilators of the flesh. ³ For it is we who are the circumcision,^(C) we who serve God by his Spirit, who boast in Christ Jesus,^(D) and who put no confidence in the flesh— ⁴ though I myself have reasons for such confidence.^(E)

If someone else thinks they have reasons to put confidence in the flesh, I have more: ⁵ circumcised^(F) on the eighth day, of the people of Israel,^(G) of the tribe of Benjamin,^(H) a Hebrew of Hebrews; in regard to the law, a Pharisee;^{(I) 6} as for zeal,^(J) persecuting the church;^(K) as for righteousness based on the law,^(L) faultless.

⁷ But whatever were gains to me I now consider loss^(M) for the sake of Christ. ⁸ What is more, I consider everything a loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing^(N) Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them garbage, that I may gain Christ^{(O) 9} and be found in him, not having a righteousness of my own that comes from the law,^(P) but that which is through faith in^[a] Christ—the righteousness^(Q) that comes from God on the basis of faith.^{(R) 10} I want to know^(S) Christ—yes, to know the power of his resurrection and participation in his sufferings,^(T) becoming like him in his death,^{(U) 11} and so, somehow, attaining to the resurrection^(V) from the dead.

¹² Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal,^(W) but I press on to take hold^(X) of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.^{(Y) 13} Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind^(Z) and straining toward what is ahead, ¹⁴ I press on^(AA) toward the goal to win the prize^(AB) for which God has called^(AC) me heavenward in Christ Jesus.

Following Paul’s Example

¹⁵ All of us, then, who are mature^(AD) should take such a view of things.^(AE) And if on some point you think differently, that too God will make clear to you.^{(AF) 16} Only let us live up to what we have already attained.

¹⁷ Join together in following my example,^(AG) brothers and sisters, and just as you have us as a model, keep your eyes on those who live as we do.^{(AH) 18} For, as I have often told you before and now tell you again even with tears,^(AI) many live as enemies of the cross of Christ.^{(AJ) 19} Their destiny^(AK) is destruction, their god is their stomach,^(AL) and their glory is in their shame.^(AM) Their mind is set on earthly things.^{(AN) 20} But our citizenship^(AO) is in heaven.^(AP) And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ,^{(AQ) 21} who, by the power^(AR) that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies^(AS) so that they will be like his glorious body.^(AT)

Closing Appeal for Steadfastness and Unity

4 Therefore, my brothers and sisters, you whom I love and long for,^(AU) my joy and crown, stand firm^(AV) in the Lord in this way, dear friends!

² I plead with Euodia and I plead with Syntyche to be of the same mind^(AW) in the Lord. ³ Yes, and I ask you, my true companion, help these women since they have contended at my side in the cause of the gospel, along with Clement and the rest of my co-workers,^(AX) whose names are in the book of life.^(AY)

Final Exhortations

⁴ Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!^{(AZ) 5} Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.^{(BA) 6} Do not be anxious about anything,^(BB) but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.^{(BC) 7} And the peace of God,^(BD) which transcends all understanding,^(BE) will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

⁸ Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. ⁹ Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice.^(BF) And the God of peace^(BG) will be with you.

Thanks for Their Gifts

¹⁰ I rejoiced greatly in the Lord that at last you renewed your concern for me.^(BH) Indeed, you were concerned, but you had no opportunity to show it. ¹¹ I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content^(BI) whatever the circumstances. ¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry,^(BJ) whether living in plenty or in want.^{(BK) 13} I can do all this through him who gives me strength.^(BL)

¹⁴ Yet it was good of you to share^(BM) in my troubles. ¹⁵ Moreover, as you Philippians know, in the early days^(BN) of your acquaintance with the gospel, when I set out from Macedonia,^(BO) not one church shared with me in the matter of giving and receiving, except you only;^{(BP) 16} for even when I was in Thessalonica,^(BQ) you sent me aid more than once when I was in need.^{(BR) 17} Not that I desire your gifts; what I desire is that more be credited to your account.^{(BS) 18} I have received full payment and have more than enough. I am amply supplied, now that I have received from Epaphroditus^(BT) the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant^(BU) offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God. ¹⁹ And my God will meet all your needs^(BV) according to the riches of his glory^(BW) in Christ Jesus.

²⁰ To our God and Father^(BX) be glory for ever and ever. Amen.^(BY)

Final Greetings

²¹ Greet all God’s people in Christ Jesus. The brothers and sisters who are with me^(BZ) send greetings. ²² All God’s people^(CA) here send you greetings, especially those who belong to Caesar’s household.

²³ The grace of the Lord Jesus Christ^(CB) be with your spirit.^(CC) Amen.^[b]

1 Paul, an apostle^(CD) of Christ Jesus by the will of God,^(CE) and Timothy^(CF) our brother,

² To God’s holy people in Colossae, the faithful brothers and sisters^[c] in Christ:

Grace^(CG) and peace to you from God our Father.^[d](CH)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We always thank God,^(CI) the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, ⁴ because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love^(CJ) you have for all God’s people^(CK)— ⁵ the faith and love that spring from the hope^(CL) stored up for you in heaven^(CM) and about which you have already heard in the true message^(CN) of the gospel ⁶ that has come to you. In the same way, the gospel is bearing fruit^(CO) and growing throughout the whole world^(CP)—just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and truly understood God’s grace. ⁷ You learned it from Epaphras,^(CQ) our dear fellow servant,^[e] who is a faithful minister^(CR) of Christ on our^[f] behalf, ⁸ and who also told us of your love in the Spirit.^(CS)

⁹ For this reason, since the day we heard about you,^(CT) we have not stopped praying for you.^(CU) We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will^(CV) through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,^{[g](CW) 10} so that you may live a life worthy^(CX) of the Lord and please him^(CY) in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God,^{(CZ) 11} being strengthened with all power^(DA) according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience,^{(DB) 12} and giving joyful thanks to the Father,^(DC) who has qualified you^[h] to share in the inheritance^(DD) of his holy people in the kingdom of light.^{(DE) 13} For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness^(DF) and brought us into the kingdom^(DG) of the Son he loves,^{(DH) 14} in whom we have redemption,^(DI) the forgiveness of sins.^(DJ)

The Supremacy of the Son of God

¹⁵ The Son is the image^(DK) of the invisible God,^(DL) the firstborn^(DM) over all creation. ¹⁶ For in him all things were created:^(DN) things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities;^(DO) all things have been created through him and for him.^{(DP) 17} He is before all things,^(DQ) and in him all things hold together. ¹⁸ And he is the head^(DR) of the body, the church;^(DS) he is the beginning and the firstborn^(DT) from among the dead,^(DU) so that in everything he might have the supremacy. ¹⁹ For God was pleased^(DV) to have all his fullness^(DW) dwell in him, ²⁰ and through him to reconcile^(DX) to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven,^(DY) by making peace^(DZ) through his blood,^(EA) shed on the cross.

²¹ Once you were alienated from God and were enemies^(EB) in your minds^(EC) because of^[i] your evil behavior. ²² But now he has reconciled^(ED) you by Christ’s physical body^(EE) through death to present you^(EF) holy in his sight, without blemish and free from accusation^(EG)— ²³ if you continue^(EH) in your faith, established^(EI) and firm, and do not move from the hope^(EJ) held out in the gospel. This is the gospel that you heard and that has been proclaimed to every creature under heaven,^(EK) and of which I, Paul, have become a servant.^(EL)

Paul’s Labor for the Church

²⁴ Now I rejoice^(EM) in what I am suffering for you, and I fill up in my flesh what is still lacking in regard to Christ’s afflictions,^(EN) for the sake of his body, which is the church.^{(EO) 25} I have become its servant^(EP) by the commission God gave me^(EQ) to present to you the word of God^(ER) in its fullness— ²⁶ the mystery^(ES) that has been kept hidden for ages and generations, but is now disclosed to the Lord’s people. ²⁷ To them God has chosen to make known^(ET) among the Gentiles the glorious riches^(EU) of this mystery, which is Christ in you,^(EV) the hope of glory.

²⁸ He is the one we proclaim, admonishing^(EW) and teaching everyone with all wisdom,^(EX) so that we may present everyone fully mature^(EY) in Christ. ²⁹ To this end I strenuously^(EZ) contend^(FA) with all the energy Christ so powerfully works in me.^(FB)

2 I want you to know how hard I am contending^(FC) for you and for those at Laodicea,^(FD) and for all who have not met me personally. ² My goal is that they may be encouraged in heart^(FE) and united in love, so that they may have the full riches of complete understanding, in order that they may know the mystery^(FF) of God, namely, Christ, ³ in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.^{(FG) 4} I tell you this so that no one may deceive you by fine-sounding arguments.^{(FH) 5} For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit^(FI) and delight to see how disciplined^(FJ) you are and how firm^(FK) your faith in Christ^(FL) is.

Spiritual Fullness in Christ

⁶ So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord,^(FM) continue to live your lives in him, ⁷ rooted^(FN) and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught,^(FO) and overflowing with thankfulness.

⁸ See to it that no one takes you captive through hollow and deceptive philosophy,^(FP) which depends on human tradition and the elemental spiritual forces^[j] of this world^(FQ) rather than on Christ.

⁹ For in Christ all the fullness^(FR) of the Deity lives in bodily form, ¹⁰ and in Christ you have been brought to fullness. He is the head^(FS) over every power and authority.^{(FT) 11} In him you were also circumcised^(FU) with a circumcision not performed by human hands. Your whole self ruled by the flesh^[k](FV) was put off when you were circumcised by^[l] Christ, ¹² having been buried with him in baptism,^(FW) in which you were also raised with him^(FX) through your faith in the working of God, who raised him from the dead.^(FY)

¹³ When you were dead in your sins^(FZ) and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you^[m] alive^(GA) with Christ. He forgave us all our sins,^{(GB) 14} having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness,^(GC) which stood against us and condemned us; he has taken it away, nailing it to the cross.^{(GD) 15} And having disarmed the powers and authorities,^(GE) he made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them^(GF) by the cross.^[n]

Freedom From Human Rules

¹⁶ Therefore do not let anyone judge you^(GG) by what you eat or drink,^(GH) or with regard to a religious festival,^(GI) a New Moon celebration^(GJ) or a Sabbath day.^{(GK) 17} These are a shadow of the things that were to come;^(GL) the reality, however, is found in Christ. ¹⁸ Do not let anyone who delights in false humility^(GM) and the worship of angels disqualify you.^(GN) Such a person also goes into great detail about what they have seen; they are puffed up with idle notions by their unspiritual mind. ¹⁹ They have lost connection with the head,^(GO) from whom the whole body,^(GP) supported and held together by its ligaments and sinews, grows as God causes it to grow.^(GQ)

²⁰ Since you died with Christ^(GR) to the elemental spiritual forces of this world,^(GS) why, as though you still belonged to the world, do you submit to its rules:^{(GT) 21} “Do not handle! Do not taste! Do not touch!”? ²² These rules, which have to do with things that are all destined to perish^(GU) with use, are based on merely human commands and teachings.^{(GV) 23} Such regulations indeed have an appearance of wisdom, with their self-imposed worship, their false humility^(GW) and their harsh treatment of the body, but they lack any value in restraining sensual indulgence.

Living as Those Made Alive in Christ

3 Since, then, you have been raised with Christ,^(GX) set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God.^{(GY) 2} Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.^{(GZ) 3} For you died,^(HA) and your life is now hidden with Christ in God. ⁴ When Christ, who is your^[o] life,^(HB) appears,^(HC) then you also will appear with him in glory.^(HD)

⁵ Put to death,^(HE) therefore, whatever belongs to your earthly nature:^(HF) sexual immorality,^(HG) impurity, lust, evil desires and greed,^(HH) which is idolatry.^{(HI) 6} Because of these, the wrath of God^(HJ) is coming.^{[p] 7} You used to walk in these ways, in the life you once lived.^{(HK) 8} But now you must also rid yourselves^(HL) of all such things as these: anger, rage, malice, slander,^(HM) and filthy language from your lips.^{(HN) 9} Do not lie to each other,^(HO) since you have taken off your old self^(HP) with its practices ¹⁰ and have put on the new self,^(HQ) which is being renewed^(HR) in knowledge in the image of its Creator.^{(HS) 11} Here there is no Gentile or Jew,^(HT) circumcised or uncircumcised,^(HU) barbarian, Scythian, slave or free,^(HV) but Christ is all,^(HW) and is in all.

¹² Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves^(HX) with compassion, kindness, humility,^(HY) gentleness and patience.^{(HZ) 13} Bear with each other^(IA) and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.^{(IB) 14} And over all these virtues put on love,^(IC) which binds them all together in perfect unity.^(ID)

¹⁵ Let the peace of Christ^(IE) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body^(IF) you were called to peace.^(IG) And be thankful. ¹⁶ Let the message of Christ^(IH) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom^(II) through psalms,^(IJ) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.^{(IK) 17} And whatever you do,^(IL) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks^(IM) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households^(IN)

¹⁸ Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,^(IO) as is fitting in the Lord.

¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

²⁰ Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

²¹ Fathers,^[q] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

²² Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance^(IP) from the Lord as a reward.^(IQ) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. ²⁵ Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.^(IR)

4 Masters, provide your slaves with what is right and fair,^(IS) because you know that you also have a Master in heaven.

Further Instructions

² Devote yourselves to prayer,^(IT) being watchful and thankful. ³ And pray for us, too, that God may open a door^(IU) for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery^(IV) of Christ, for which I am in chains.^{(IW) 4} Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. ⁵ Be wise^(IX) in the way you act toward outsiders;^(IY) make the most of every opportunity.^{(IZ) 6} Let your conversation be always full of grace,^(JA) seasoned with salt,^(JB) so that you may know how to answer everyone.^(JC)

Final Greetings

⁷ Tychicus^(JD) will tell you all the news about me. He is a dear brother, a faithful minister and fellow servant^[r](JE) in the Lord. ⁸ I am sending him to you for the express purpose that you may know about our^[s] circumstances and that he may encourage your hearts.^{(JF) 9} He is coming with Onesimus,^(JG) our faithful and dear brother, who is one of you.^(JH) They will tell you everything that is happening here.

¹⁰ My fellow prisoner Aristarchus^(JI) sends you his greetings, as does Mark,^(JJ) the cousin of Barnabas.^(JK) (You have received instructions about him; if he comes to you, welcome him.) ¹¹ Jesus, who is called Justus, also sends greetings. These are the only Jews^[t] among my co-workers^(JL) for the kingdom of God, and they have proved a comfort to me. ¹² Epaphras,^(JM) who is one of you^(JN) and a servant of Christ Jesus, sends greetings. He is always wrestling in prayer for you,^(JO) that you may stand firm in all the will of God, mature^(JP) and fully assured. ¹³ I vouch for him that he is working hard for you and for those at Laodicea^(JQ) and Hierapolis. ¹⁴ Our dear friend Luke,^(JR) the doctor, and Demas^(JS) send greetings. ¹⁵ Give my greetings to the brothers and sisters at Laodicea,^(JT) and to Nympha and the church in her house.^(JU)

¹⁶ After this letter has been read to you, see that it is also read^(JV) in the church of the Laodiceans and that you in turn read the letter from Laodicea.

¹⁷ Tell Archippus:^(JW) “See to it that you complete the ministry you have received in the Lord.”^(JX)

¹⁸ I, Paul, write this greeting in my own hand.^(JY) Remember^(JZ) my chains.^(KA) Grace be with you.^(KB)

1 Paul, Silas^[u](KC) and Timothy,^(KD)

To the church of the Thessalonians^(KE) in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

Grace and peace to you.^(KF)

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

² We always thank God for all of you^(KG) and continually mention you in our prayers.^{(KH) 3} We remember before our God and Father^(KI) your work produced by faith,^(KJ) your labor prompted by love,^(KK) and your endurance inspired by hope^(KL) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters^[v] loved by God,^(KM) that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel^(KN) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(KO) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(KP) how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us^(KQ) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(KR) with the joy^(KS) given by the Holy Spirit.^{(KT) 7} And so you became a model^(KU) to all the believers in Macedonia^(KV) and Achaia.^{(KW) 8} The Lord’s message^(KX) rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.^(KY) Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, ⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(KZ) to God from idols^(LA) to serve the living and true God,^{(LB) 10} and to wait for his Son from heaven,^(LC) whom he raised from the dead^(LD)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.^(LE)

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you^(LF) was not without results.^{(LG) 2} We had previously suffered^(LH) and been treated outrageously in Philippi,^(LI) as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.^{(LJ) 3} For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,^(LK) nor are we trying to trick you.^{(LL) 4} On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(LM) We are not trying to please people^(LN) but God, who tests our hearts.^{(LO) 5} You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(LP)—God is our witness.^{(LQ) 6} We were not looking for praise from people,^(LR) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(LS) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^{(LT) 7} Instead, we were like young children^[w] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^{(LU) 8} so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(LV) but our lives as well.^{(LW) 9} Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked^(LX) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone^(LY) while we preached the gospel of God to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses,^(LZ) and so is God,^(MA) of how holy,^(MB) righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,^{(MC) 12} encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy^(MD) of God, who calls^(ME) you into his kingdom and glory.

¹³ And we also thank God continually^(MF) because, when you received the word of God,^(MG) which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators^(MH) of God’s churches in Judea,^(MI) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people^(MJ) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus^(MK) and the prophets^(ML) and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles^(MM) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.^(MN) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.^[x]

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),^(MO) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.^{(MP) 18} For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan^(MQ) blocked our way.^{(MR) 19} For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown^(MS) in which we will glory^(MT) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?^(MU) Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory^(MV) and joy.

3 So when we could stand it no longer,^(MW) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.^{(MX) 2} We sent Timothy,^(MY) who is our brother and co-worker^(MZ) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,^(NA) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, ³ so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.^(NB) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.^{(NC) 4} In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.^{(ND) 5} For this reason, when I could stand it no longer,^(NE) I sent to find out about your faith.^(NF) I was afraid that in some way the tempter^(NG) had tempted you and that our labors might have been in vain.^(NH)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ But Timothy^(NI) has just now come to us from you^(NJ) and has brought good news about your faith and love.^(NK) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.^{(NL) 7} Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ⁸ For now we really live, since you are standing firm^(NM) in the Lord. ⁹ How can we thank God enough for you^(NN) in return for all the joy we have in the presence of our God because of you?^{(NO) 10} Night and day we pray^(NP) most earnestly that we may see you again^(NQ) and supply what is lacking in your faith.

¹¹ Now may our God and Father^(NR) himself and our Lord Jesus clear the way for us to come to you. ¹² May the Lord make your love increase and overflow for each other^(NS) and for everyone else, just as ours does for you. ¹³ May he strengthen your hearts so that you will be blameless^(NT) and holy in the presence of our God and Father^(NU) when our Lord Jesus comes^(NV) with all his holy ones.^(NW)

Living to Please God

4 As for other matters, brothers and sisters,^(NX) we instructed you how to live^(NY) in order to please God,^(NZ) as in fact you are living. Now we ask you and urge you in the Lord Jesus to do this more and more. ² For you know what instructions we gave you by the authority of the Lord Jesus.

³ It is God’s will^(OA) that you should be sanctified: that you should avoid sexual immorality;^{(OB) 4} that each of you should learn to control your own body^[y](OC) in a way that is holy and honorable, ⁵ not in passionate lust^(OD) like the pagans,^(OE) who do not know God;^{(OF) 6} and that in this matter no one should wrong or take advantage of a brother or sister.^[z](OG) The Lord will punish^(OH) all those who commit such sins,^(OI) as we told you and warned you before. ⁷ For God did not call us to be impure, but to live a holy life.^{(OJ) 8} Therefore, anyone who rejects this instruction does not reject a human being but God, the very God who gives you his Holy Spirit.^(OK)

⁹ Now about your love for one another^(OL) we do not need to write to you,^(OM) for you yourselves have been taught by God^(ON) to love each other.^{(OO) 10} And in fact, you do love all of God’s family throughout Macedonia.^(OP) Yet we urge you, brothers and sisters, to do so more and more,^{(OQ) 11} and to make it your ambition to lead a quiet life: You should mind your own business and work with your hands,^(OR) just as we told you, ¹² so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders^(OS) and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.

Believers Who Have Died

¹³ Brothers and sisters, we do not want you to be uninformed^(OT) about those who sleep in death,^(OU) so that you do not grieve like the rest of mankind, who have no hope.^{(OV) 14} For we believe that Jesus died and rose again,^(OW) and so we believe that God will bring with Jesus those who have fallen asleep in him.^{(OX) 15} According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord,^(OY) will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep.^{(OZ) 16} For the Lord himself will come down from heaven,^(PA) with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel^(PB) and with the trumpet call of God,^(PC) and the dead in Christ will rise first.^{(PD) 17} After that, we who are still alive and are left^(PE) will be caught up together with them in the clouds^(PF) to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord^(PG) forever. ¹⁸ Therefore encourage one another^(PH) with these words.

The Day of the Lord

5 Now, brothers and sisters, about times and dates^(PI) we do not need to write to you,^{(PJ) 2} for you know very well that the day of the Lord^(PK) will come like a thief in the night.^{(PL) 3} While people are saying, “Peace and safety,”^(PM) destruction will come on them suddenly,^(PN) as labor pains on a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.^(PO)

⁴ But you, brothers and sisters, are not in darkness^(PP) so that this day should surprise you like a thief.^{(PQ) 5} You are all children of the light^(PR) and children of the day. We do not belong to the night or to the darkness. ⁶ So then, let us not be like others, who are asleep,^(PS) but let us be awake^(PT) and sober.^{(PU) 7} For those who sleep, sleep at night, and those who get drunk, get drunk at night.^{(PV) 8} But since we belong to the day,^(PW) let us be sober, putting on faith and love as a breastplate,^(PX) and the hope of salvation^(PY) as a helmet.^{(PZ) 9} For God did not appoint us to suffer wrath^(QA) but to receive salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(QB) 10} He died for us so that, whether we are awake or asleep, we may live together with him.^{(QC) 11} Therefore encourage one another^(QD) and build each other up,^(QE) just as in fact you are doing.

Final Instructions

¹² Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard^(QF) among you, who care for you in the Lord^(QG) and who admonish you. ¹³ Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other.^{(QH) 14} And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle^(QI) and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak,^(QJ) be patient with everyone. ¹⁵ Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong,^(QK) but always strive to do what is good for each other^(QL) and for everyone else.

¹⁶ Rejoice always,^{(QM) 17} pray continually,^{(QN) 18} give thanks in all circumstances;^(QO) for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.

¹⁹ Do not quench the Spirit.^{(QP) 20} Do not treat prophecies^(QQ) with contempt ²¹ but test them all;^(QR) hold on to what is good,^{(QS) 22} reject every kind of evil.

²³ May God himself, the God of peace,^(QT) sanctify you through and through. May your whole spirit, soul^(QU) and body be kept blameless^(QV) at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.^{(QW) 24} The one who calls^(QX) you is faithful,^(QY) and he will do it.^(QZ)

²⁵ Brothers and sisters, pray for us.^{(RA) 26} Greet all God’s people with a holy kiss.^{(RB) 27} I charge you before the Lord to have this letter read to all the brothers and sisters.^(RC)

²⁸ The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you.^(RD)

1 Paul, Silas^[aa](RE) and Timothy,^(RF)

To the church of the Thessalonians^(RG) in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ:

² Grace and peace to you from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.^(RH)

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We ought always to thank God for you,^(RI) brothers and sisters,^[ab] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.^{(RJ) 4} Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(RK) about your perseverance and faith^(RL) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(RM)

⁵ All this is evidence^(RN) that God’s judgment is right, and as a result you will be counted worthy^(RO) of the kingdom of God, for which you are suffering. ⁶ God is just:^(RP) He will pay back trouble to those who trouble you^{(RQ) 7} and give relief to you who are troubled, and to us as well. This will happen when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven^(RR) in blazing fire^(RS) with his powerful angels.^{(RT) 8} He will punish^(RU) those who do not know God^(RV) and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.^{(RW) 9} They will be punished with everlasting destruction^(RX) and shut out from the presence of the Lord^(RY) and from the glory of his might^{(RZ) 10} on the day^(SA) he comes to be glorified^(SB) in his holy people and to be marveled at among all those who have believed. This includes you, because you believed our testimony to you.^(SC)

¹¹ With this in mind, we constantly pray for you,^(SD) that our God may make you worthy^(SE) of his calling,^(SF) and that by his power he may bring to fruition your every desire for goodness^(SG) and your every deed prompted by faith.^{(SH) 12} We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you,^(SI) and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.^[ac]

The Man of Lawlessness

2 Concerning the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ^(SJ) and our being gathered to him,^(SK) we ask you, brothers and sisters, ² not to become easily unsettled or alarmed by the teaching allegedly from us—whether by a prophecy or by word of mouth or by letter^(SL)—asserting that the day of the Lord^(SM) has already come.^{(SN) 3} Don’t let anyone deceive you^(SO) in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion^(SP) occurs and the man of lawlessness^[ad] is revealed,^(SQ) the man doomed to destruction. ⁴ He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God^(SR) or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God.^(SS)

⁵ Don’t you remember that when I was with you I used to tell you these things?^{(ST) 6} And now you know what is holding him back,^(SU) so that he may be revealed at the proper time. ⁷ For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back^(SV) will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. ⁸ And then the lawless one will be revealed,^(SW) whom the Lord Jesus will overthrow with the breath of his mouth^(SX) and destroy by the splendor of his coming.^{(SY) 9} The coming of the lawless one will be in accordance with how Satan^(SZ) works. He will use all sorts of displays of power through signs and wonders^(TA) that serve the lie, ¹⁰ and all the ways that wickedness deceives those who are perishing.^(TB) They perish because they refused to love the truth and so be saved.^(TC)