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.

⁵ But other Jews were jealous; so they rounded up some bad characters from the marketplace, formed a mob and started a riot in the city.^(I) They rushed to Jason’s^(J) house in search of Paul and Silas in order to bring them out to the crowd.^{[a] 6} But when they did not find them, they dragged^(K) Jason and some other believers^(L) before the city officials, shouting: “These men who have caused trouble all over the world^(M) have now come here,^{(N) 7} and Jason has welcomed them into his house. They are all defying Caesar’s decrees, saying that there is another king, one called Jesus.”^{(O) 8} When they heard this, the crowd and the city officials were thrown into turmoil. ⁹ Then they made Jason^(P) and the others post bond and let them go.

In Berea

¹⁰ As soon as it was night, the believers sent Paul and Silas^(Q) away to Berea.^(R) On arriving there, they went to the Jewish synagogue.^(S)

⁹ for they themselves report what kind of reception you gave us. They tell how you turned^(A) to God from idols^(B) to serve the living and true God,^{(C) 10} and to wait for his Son from heaven,^(D) whom he raised from the dead^(E)—Jesus, who rescues us from the coming wrath.^(F)

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you^(G) was not without results.^{(H) 2} We had previously suffered^(I) and been treated outrageously in Philippi,^(J) as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.^{(K) 3} For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,^(L) nor are we trying to trick you.^{(M) 4} On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(N) We are not trying to please people^(O) but God, who tests our hearts.^{(P) 5} You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(Q)—God is our witness.^{(R) 6} We were not looking for praise from people,^(S) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(T) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^{(U) 7} Instead, we were like young children^[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^{(V) 8} so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(W) but our lives as well.^{(X) 9} Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked^(Y) night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone^(Z) while we preached the gospel of God to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses,^(AA) and so is God,^(AB) of how holy,^(AC) righteous and blameless we were among you who believed. ¹¹ For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,^{(AD) 12} encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy^(AE) of God, who calls^(AF) you into his kingdom and glory.