The following is a personal paraphrase meant to illustrate how a student of the Bible might put the scriptures into their own words in order to better understand the text. As such, some liberties are taken in wording. Since our desire for you is that you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, so that God may establish your hearts blameless in holiness before or God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all his saints, we ask you (as friends) and urge you (as … [Read more...]

The following is a personal paraphrase meant to illustrate how a student of the Bible might put the scriptures into their own words in order to better understand the text. As such, some liberties are taken in wording. Since we were forced to leave you, being driven out by the Jewish persecutors in Thessalonica, we have been left longing to see you once again. Know that even though we have been separated from you in person, you remain affectionately in our hearts. For this reason, we … [Read more...]

The following is a personal paraphrase meant to illustrate how a student of the Bible might put the scriptures into their own words in order to better understand the text. As such, some liberties are taken in wording. The Thessalonians themselves should know that Paul and his companion’s coming to them was not in vain. The fact that they came to Thessalonica and preached the gospel to them with boldness even after having suffered and being shamefully treated in Philippi, should serve as such … [Read more...]

The following is a personal paraphrase meant to illustrate how a student of the Bible might put the scriptures into their own words in order to better understand the text. As such, some liberties are taken in wording. Paul, Silas and Timothy were very thankful for the church at Thessalonica. This thankfulness led them to constantly pray for the church. The cause of their thankfulness was the abundant fruit which the church had shown, indicating that their ministry of the word in Thessalonica … [Read more...]