² We had previously suffered^(A) and been treated outrageously in Philippi,^(B) as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.^(C)

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 ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus^(D) and the prophets^(E) 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^(F) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.^(G) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.^[a]

⁷ Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith.