Dual Panel1PAUL, SILVANUS (Silas), and Timothy, to the assembly (church) of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah): Grace (spiritual blessing and divine favor) to you and [heart] peace.
2We are ever giving thanks to God for all of you, continually mentioning [you when engaged] in our prayers,
3Recalling unceasingly before our God and Father your work energized by faith and service motivated by love and unwavering hope in [the return of] our Lord Jesus Christ (the Messiah). [I Thess. 1:10.]
4[O] brethren beloved by God, we recognize {and} know that He has selected (chosen) you;
5For our [preaching of the] glad tidings (the Gospel) came to you not only in word, but also in [its own inherent] power and in the Holy Spirit and with great conviction {and} absolute certainty [on our part]. You know what kind of men we proved [ourselves] to be among you for your good.
6And you [set yourselves to] become imitators of us and [through us] of the Lord Himself, for you welcomed our message in [spite of] much persecution, with joy [inspired] by the Holy Spirit;
7So that you [thus] became a pattern to all the believers (those who adhere to, trust in, and rely on Christ Jesus) in Macedonia and Achaia (most of Greece).
8For not only has the Word concerning {and} from the Lord resounded forth from you unmistakably in Macedonia and Achaia, but everywhere the report has gone forth of your faith in God [of your leaning of your whole personality on Him in complete trust and confidence in His power, wisdom, and goodness]. So we [find that we] never need to tell people anything [further about it].
9For they themselves volunteer testimony concerning us, telling what an entrance we had among you, and how you turned to God from [your] idols to serve a God Who is alive and true {and} genuine,
10And [how you] look forward to {and} await the coming of His Son from heaven, Whom He raised from the dead--Jesus, Who personally rescues {and} delivers us out of {and} from the wrath [bringing punishment] which is coming [upon the impenitent] {and} draws us to Himself [investing us with all the privileges and rewards of the new life in Christ, the Messiah].