1Paul and Sylvanus and Timothy: to the church of the Thessalonians, in God the Father, and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

2Grace be to you and peace. We give thanks to God always for you all; making a remembrance of you in our prayers without ceasing,

3Being mindful of the work of your faith, and work, and charity, and of the enduring of the hope of our Lord Jesus Christ before God and our Father:

4Knowing, brothers and sisters beloved of God, your election:

5For our gospel has not been to you in word only, but in power also, and in the Holy Ghost, and in much fulness, as you know what manner of men we have been among you for your sakes.

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13But sorrow to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you shut the kingdom of heaven against men, for you yourselves do not enter in; and those that are going in, you suffer not to enter.

14Sorrow to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, hypocrites: because you devour the houses of widows, praying long prayers. For this you shall receive the greater judgment.

15Sorrow to you teachers of the law and Pharisees, hypocrites; because you go round about the sea and the land to make one proselyte; and when he is made, you make him the child of hell twofold more than yourselves.

16Sorrow to you blind guides, that say, Whoever shall swear by the temple, it is nothing; but the one who will swear by the gold of the temple, is a debtor.

17You foolish and blind; for whether is greater, the gold, or the temple that sanctifieth the gold?

18And whoever shall swear by the altar, it is nothing; but whoever shall swear by the gift that is upon it, is a debtor.

19You blind: for whether is greater, the gift, or the altar that sanctifieth the gift?

20He therefore that sweareth by the altar, sweareth by it, and by all things that are upon it:

21And whoever shall swear by temple, sweareth by it, and by him that dwells in it:

22And he that sweareth by heaven, sweareth by the throne of God, and by him that sits thereon.