1From Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, to the church in Thessalonica, who belong to God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: May grace and peace be yours from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
2We always thank God for all of you, mentioning you in our prayers.
3We constantly remember your work that comes from faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ, in the presence of our God and Father.
4We know, brothers and sisters, whom God loves, that he has chosen you.
5Our Good News came to you not only with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit, and with deep conviction. You know how we lived among you for your benefit.
6You became imitators of us and of the Lord. In spite of severe suffering, you welcomed the message with the joy that the Holy Spirit gives.
7As a result, you became an example to all believers in Macedonia and Achaia.
8The Lord’s message has not only spread from you throughout Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has become known everywhere. So we don’t need to say anything about it.
9People everywhere tell about the warm welcome you gave us. They also tell how you turned away from idols to God, to serve the living and true God,
10and to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.