Reception and Opposition to the Message

¹³ This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is,^(A) the word of God,^(B) which also works effectively in you who believe. ¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea,^(C) since you have also suffered^(D) the same things from people of your own country,^(E) just as they did from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus^(F) and the prophets and persecuted us.^(G) They displease God and are hostile to everyone, ¹⁶ by keeping us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. As a result, they are constantly filling up their sins to the limit,^(H) and wrath has overtaken them at last.^[a]

Paul’s Desire to See Them

¹⁷ But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you^[b] for a short time (in person, not in heart^(I)), we greatly desired and made every effort to return^(J) and see you face to face. ¹⁸ So we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan^(K) hindered us. ¹⁹ For who is our hope or joy^(L) or crown^(M) of boasting^(N) in the presence of our Lord^(O) Jesus at his coming?^(P) Is it not you?^{(Q) 20} Indeed you are our glory^(R) and joy!