¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators^(A) of God’s churches in Judea,^(B) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people^(C) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews

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.^(A)

³³ Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution;^(A) at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated.^{(B) 34} You suffered along with those in prison^(C) and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions.^(D)

⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(A) about your perseverance and faith^(B) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(C)

⁷ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions^(A) with fervent cries and tears^(B) to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard^(C) because of his reverent submission.^{(D) 8} Son^(E) though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered^(F)

⁶ You became imitators of us^(A) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(B) with the joy^(C) given by the Holy Spirit.^(D)

²² I was personally unknown to the churches of Judea^(A) that are in Christ.^(B)

The Collection for the Lord’s People

8 And now, brothers and sisters, we want you to know about the grace that God has given the Macedonian^(A) churches. ² In the midst of a very severe trial, their overflowing joy and their extreme poverty welled up in rich generosity.^(B)

1 Paul, Silas^[a](A) and Timothy,^(B)

To the church of the Thessalonians^(C) in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: