1 Thessalonians 1:4-7

New International Version

⁴For we know, brothers and sisters^[a] loved by God,^(A) that he has chosen you, ⁵because our gospel^(B) came to you not simply with words but also with power,^(C) with the Holy Spirit and deep conviction. You know^(D) how we lived among you for your sake. ⁶You became imitators of us^(E) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(F) with the joy^(G) given by the Holy Spirit.^(H) ⁷And so you became a model^(I) to all the believers in Macedonia^(J) and Achaia.^(K)

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Footnotes

1 Thessalonians 1:4 The Greek word for brothers and sisters (adelphoi) refers here to believers, both men and women, as part of God’s family; also in 2:1, 9, 14, 17; 3:7; 4:1, 10, 13; 5:1, 4, 12, 14, 25, 27.

Isaiah 63:7-14

New International Version

Praise and Prayer

⁷I will tell of the kindnesses^(A) of the Lord,
    the deeds for which he is to be praised,
    according to all the Lord has done for us—
yes, the many good things^(B)
    he has done for Israel,
    according to his compassion^(C) and many kindnesses.
⁸He said, “Surely they are my people,^(D)
    children who will be true to me”;
    and so he became their Savior.^(E)
⁹In all their distress he too was distressed,
    and the angel^(F) of his presence^(G) saved them.^[a]
In his love and mercy he redeemed^(H) them;
    he lifted them up and carried^(I) them
    all the days of old.^(J)
¹⁰Yet they rebelled^(K)
    and grieved his Holy Spirit.^(L)
So he turned and became their enemy^(M)
    and he himself fought^(N) against them.

¹¹Then his people recalled^[b] the days of old,
    the days of Moses and his people—
where is he who brought them through the sea,^(O)
    with the shepherd of his flock?^(P)
Where is he who set
    his Holy Spirit^(Q) among them,
¹²who sent his glorious arm^(R) of power
    to be at Moses’ right hand,
who divided the waters^(S) before them,
    to gain for himself everlasting renown,^(T)
¹³who led^(U) them through the depths?^(V)
Like a horse in open country,
    they did not stumble;^(W)
¹⁴like cattle that go down to the plain,
    they were given rest^(X) by the Spirit of the Lord.
This is how you guided your people
    to make for yourself a glorious name.