1 Thessalonians 2:13-3:4
New International Version
13 And we also thank God continually(A) because, when you received the word of God,(B) which you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human word, but as it actually is, the word of God, which is indeed at work in you who believe. 14 For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators(C) of God’s churches in Judea,(D) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people(E) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews 15 who killed the Lord Jesus(F) and the prophets(G) and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone 16 in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles(H) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.(I) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.[a]
Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians
17 But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),(J) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.(K) 18 For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan(L) blocked our way.(M) 19 For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown(N) in which we will glory(O) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?(P) Is it not you? 20 Indeed, you are our glory(Q) and joy.
3 So when we could stand it no longer,(R) we thought it best to be left by ourselves in Athens.(S) 2 We sent Timothy,(T) who is our brother and co-worker(U) in God’s service in spreading the gospel of Christ,(V) to strengthen and encourage you in your faith, 3 so that no one would be unsettled by these trials.(W) For you know quite well that we are destined for them.(X) 4 In fact, when we were with you, we kept telling you that we would be persecuted. And it turned out that way, as you well know.(Y)
Footnotes
- 1 Thessalonians 2:16 Or them fully
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