Part 785 (1/2)

5:18. In all things give thanks for this is the will of G.o.d in Christ Jesus concerning you all.

5:19. Extinguish not the spirit.

5:20. Despise not prophecies.

5:21. But prove all things: hold fast that which is good.

5:22. From all appearance of evil refrain yourselves.

5:23. And may the G.o.d of peace himself sanctify you in all things: that your whole spirit and soul and body may be preserved blameless in the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

5:24. He is faithful who hath called you, who also will do it.

5:25. Brethren, pray for us.

5:26. Salute all the brethren with a holy kiss.

5:27. I charge you by the Lord that this epistle be read to all the holy brethren.

5:28. The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you. Amen.

THE SECOND EPISTLE OF ST. PAUL TO THE THESSALONIANS

In this Epistle St. Paul admonishes the Thessalonians to be constant in the faith of Christ and not to be terrified by the insinuations of false teachers telling them that the day of judgment was near at hand, as there must come many signs and wonders before it. He bids them to hold firm the traditions received from him, whether by word, or by epistle, and shews them how they may be certain of his letters by the manner he writes.

2 Thessalonians Chapter 1

He gives thanks to G.o.d for their faith and constancy and prays for their advancement in all good.

1:1. Paul and Sylva.n.u.s and Timothy, to the church of the Thessalonians.

In G.o.d our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ,

1:2. Grace unto you: and peace from G.o.d our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ.

1:3. We are bound to give thanks always to G.o.d for you, brethren, as it is fitting, because your faith groweth exceedingly and the charity of every one of you towards each other aboundeth.

1:4. So that we ourselves also glory in you in the churches of G.o.d, for your patience and faith, and in all your persecutions and tribulations: which you endure

1:5. For an example of the just judgment of G.o.d, that you may be counted worthy of the kingdom of G.o.d, for which also you suffer.

1:6. Seeing it is a just thing with G.o.d to repay tribulation to them that trouble you:

1:7. And to you who are troubled, rest with us, when the Lord Jesus shall be revealed from heaven with the angels of his power:

1:8. In a flame of fire, giving vengeance to them who know not G.o.d and who obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.