¹⁴ For Christ’s love compels us, because we are convinced that one died for all, and therefore all died.^{(A) 15} And he died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves^(B) but for him who died for them^(C) and was raised again.

In Thessalonica

17 When Paul and his companions had passed through Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to Thessalonica,^(A) where there was a Jewish synagogue. ² As was his custom, Paul went into the synagogue,^(B) and on three Sabbath^(C) days he reasoned with them from the Scriptures,^{(D) 3} explaining and proving that the Messiah had to suffer^(E) and rise from the dead.^(F) “This Jesus I am proclaiming to you is the Messiah,”^(G) he said. ⁴ Some of the Jews were persuaded and joined Paul and Silas,^(H) as did a large number of God-fearing Greeks and quite a few prominent women.

Thanksgiving for the Thessalonians’ Faith

² We always thank God for all of you^(A) and continually mention you in our prayers.^{(B) 3} We remember before our God and Father^(C) your work produced by faith,^(D) your labor prompted by love,^(E) and your endurance inspired by hope^(F) in our Lord Jesus Christ.

⁴ For we know, brothers and sisters^[a] loved by God,^(G) that he has chosen you, ⁵ because our gospel^(H) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(I) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(J) how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶ You became imitators of us^(K) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(L) with the joy^(M) given by the Holy Spirit.^{(N) 7} And so you became a model^(O) to all the believers in Macedonia^(P) and Achaia.^{(Q) 8} The Lord’s message^(R) rang out from you not only in Macedonia and Achaia—your faith in God has become known everywhere.^(S) Therefore we do not need to say anything about it, ⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(T) to God from idols^(U) to serve the living and true God,^{(V) 10} and to wait for his Son from heaven,^(W) whom he raised from the dead^(X)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.^(Y)