Letters to the Churches

As you know in what manner, entreating and comforting you (as a father doth his children),

We testified to every one of you that you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

Therefore, we also give thanks to God without ceasing: because, that when you had received of us the word of the hearing of God, you received it not as the word of men, but (as it is indeed) the word of God, who worketh in you that have believed.

For you, brethren, are become followers of the churches of God which are in Judea, in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews:

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and the prophets, and have persecuted us, and please not God, and are adversaries to all men;

Prohibiting us to speak to the Gentiles, that they may be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath of God is come upon them to the end.

But we, brethren, being taken away from you for a short time, in sight, not in heart, have hastened the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

For we would have come unto you, I Paul indeed, once and again: but Satan hath hindered us.

For what is our hope or joy or crown of glory? Are not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

For you are our glory and joy.

For which cause, forbearing no longer, we thought it good to remain at Athens alone.

And we sent Timothy, our brother and the minister of God in the gospel of Christ, to confirm you and exhort you concerning your faith:

That no man should be moved in these tribulations: for yourselves know that we are appointed thereunto.

For even when we were with you, we foretold you that we should suffer tribulations: as also it is come to pass, and you know.

For this cause also, I, forbearing no longer, sent to know your faith: lest perhaps he that tempteth should have tempted you: and our labour should be made vain.

But now when Timothy came to us from you and related to us your faith and charity, and that you have a good remembrance of us always, desiring to see us as we also to see you:

Therefore we were comforted, brethren, in you, in all our necessity and tribulation, by your faith.

Because now we live, if you stand in the Lord.

For what thanks can we return to God for you, in all the joy wherewith we rejoice for you before our God,

Night and day more abundantly praying that we may see your face and may accomplish those things that are wanting to your faith?

Now God himself and our Father and our Lord Jesus Christ, direct our way unto you.

And may the Lord multiply you and make you abound in charity towards one another and towards all men: as we do also towards you,

To confirm your hearts without blame, in holiness, before God and our Father, at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, with all his saints. Amen.

For the rest therefore, brethren, pray and beseech you in the Lord Jesus that, as you have received from us, how you ought to walk and to please God, so also you would walk, that you may abound the more.

For you know what precepts I have given to you by the Lord Jesus.