Paul's Commendation for Their Growth

1 Paul, and Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians which is in God the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace be unto you, and peace, from God our Father, and the Lord Jesus Christ.

2 We give thanks to God always for you all, making mention of you in our prayers;

3 Remembering without ceasing your work of faith, and labor of love, and patient hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the sight of God and our Father;

4 Knowing, beloved brethren, your election by God.

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

6 And you became followers of us, and of the Lord, having received the word in much affliction, with joy of the Holy Spirit:

7 So that you were examples to all that believe in Macedonia and Achaia.

8 For from you the word of the Lord has gone out not only in Macedonia and Achaia, but also in every place your faith toward God is made known; so that we need not speak anything.

9 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 the living and true God;

10 And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, even Jesus, who delivered us from the wrath to come.