New World Translation of the Holy Scriptures Reference Bible

1 Paul and Silvanus* and Timothy+ to the congregation of the Thessalonians in union with God our Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ:

2 May YOU have undeserved kindness and peace from God the Father and [the] Lord Jesus Christ.+

3 We are obligated to give God thanks always for YOU,+ brothers, as it is fitting, because YOUR faith is growing+ exceedingly and the love of each and all of YOU is increasing one toward the other.+ 4 As a result we ourselves take pride+ in YOU among the congregations of God 1Thess.2:14 because of YOUR endurance and faith in all YOUR persecutions and the tribulations that YOU are bearing.+ 5 This is a proof of the righteous judgment of God,+ leading to YOUR being counted worthy of the kingdom of God,+ for which YOU are indeed suffering.+

6 This takes into account that it is righteous on God’s part to repay* tribulation to those who make tribulation for YOU,+ 7 but, to YOU who suffer tribulation, relief along with us at the revelation*+ of the Lord Jesus from heaven with his powerful angels+ 8 in a flaming fire, as he brings vengeance*+ upon those who do not know God+ and those who do not obey+ the good news about our Lord Jesus.+ 9 These very ones will undergo the judicial punishment+ of everlasting destruction+ from before the Lord and from the glory of his strength,+ 10 at the time he comes to be glorified in connection with his holy ones+ and to be regarded in that day with wonder in connection with all those who exercised faith, because the witness* we gave met with faith among YOU.

11 To that very end indeed we always pray for YOU, that our God may count YOU worthy of [his] calling+ and perform completely all he pleases of goodness and the work of faith with power; 12 in order that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in YOU,+ and YOU in union+ with him, in accord with the undeserved kindness+ of our God and of the Lord Jesus Christ.*

2 However, brothers, respecting the presence*+ of our* Lord Jesus Christ and our being gathered together to him,+ we request of YOU 2 not to be quickly shaken from YOUR reason nor to be excited either through an inspired expression*+ or through a verbal message+ or through a letter+ as though from us, to the effect that the day+ of Jehovah* is here. (literally: day of the Lord)

3 Let no one seduce YOU in any manner, because it will not come unless the apostasy*+ comes first and the man of lawlessness*+ gets revealed,+ the son of destruction.*+ 4 He is set in opposition+ and lifts himself up over everyone who is called “god” or an object of reverence, so that he sits down in the temple* of The God,* publicly showing himself to be a god.+ 5 Do YOU not remember that, while I was yet with YOU, I used to tell+ YOU these things?

6 And so now YOU know the thing+ that acts as a restraint,+ with a view to his being revealed in his own due time.+ 7 True, the mystery of this lawlessness is already at work;+ but only till he who is right now acting as a restraint* gets to be out of the way.+ 8 Then, indeed, the lawless one will be revealed, Ezek.13:14 whom the Lord Jesus* will do away with by the spirit of his mouth+ and bring to nothing by the manifestation+ of his presence.+ 9 But the lawless one’s presence* is according to the operation*+ of Satan with every powerful work and lying signs and portents+ 10 and with every unrighteous deception*+ for those who are perishing,+ as a retribution because they did not accept the love+ of the truth that they might be saved.+ Ezek.14:10 11 So that is why God lets an operation of error go to them, that they may get to believing the lie,+ 1Ki.22:20 12 in order that they all may be judged because they did not believe the truth+ but took pleasure* in unrighteousness.+

13 However, we are obligated to thank God always for YOU, brothers loved by Jehovah,* because God selected YOU+ from [the] beginning for salvation by sanctifying+ YOU with spirit+ and by YOUR faith in the truth.+ 14 To this very destiny he called YOU through the good news we declare,+ for the purpose of acquiring the glory of our Lord Jesus Christ.+ 15 So, then, brothers, stand firm+ and maintain YOUR hold on the traditions+ that YOU were taught, whether it was through a verbal message or through a letter of ours. 16 Moreover, may our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved+ us and gave everlasting comfort and good hope+ by means of undeserved kindness, 17 comfort YOUR hearts and make YOU firm in every good deed and word.+

3 Finally, brothers, carry on prayer for us,+ that the word of Jehovah*+ may keep moving speedily+ and being glorified just as it is in fact with YOU; 2 and that we may be delivered from harmful and wicked men,+ for faith is not a possession of all people.+ 3 But the Lord is faithful, and he will make YOU firm and keep YOU from the wicked one.+ 4 Moreover, we have confidence+ in [the] Lord regarding YOU, that YOU are doing and will go on doing the things we order.+ 5 May the Lord continue directing YOUR hearts successfully into the love+ of God and into the endurance+ for the Christ.

6 Now we are giving YOU orders,+ brothers, in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, to withdraw+ from every brother walking disorderly+ and not according to the tradition* YOU received from us.+ 7 For YOU yourselves know the way YOU ought to imitate us,+ because we did not behave disorderly among YOU+ 8 nor did we eat food from anyone free.+ To the contrary, by labor and toil+ night and day we were working so as not to impose an expensive burden upon any one of YOU.+ 9 Not that we do not have authority,+ but in order that we might offer ourselves as an example to YOU to imitate us.+ 10 In fact, also, when we were with YOU, we used to give YOU this order:+ “If anyone does not want to work, neither let him eat.”+ 11 For we hear certain ones are walking disorderly+ among YOU, not working at all but meddling with what does not concern them.+ 12 To such persons we give the order and exhortation in [the] Lord Jesus Christ that by working with quietness they should eat food they themselves earn.+

13 For YOUR part, brothers, do not give up in doing right.+ 14 But if anyone is not obedient to our word+ through this letter, keep this one marked,*+ stop associating with* him,+ that he may become ashamed.+ 15 And yet do not be considering him as an enemy, but continue admonishing*+ him as a brother.

16 Now may the Lord of peace himself give YOU peace constantly in every way.+ The Lord be with all of YOU.
17 [Here is] my greeting, Paul’s, in my own hand,+ which is a sign in every letter; this is the way I write.

18 The undeserved kindness+ of our Lord Jesus Christ be with all of YOU.