¹⁴ For you, brothers, ^(A)became imitators of ^(B)the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea. For ^(C)you suffered the same things from your own countrymen ^(D)as they did from the Jews,^[a]

³³ sometimes being ^(A)publicly exposed to reproach and affliction, and sometimes being partners with those so treated. ³⁴ For ^(B)you had compassion on those in prison, and ^(C)you joyfully accepted the plundering of your property, since you knew that you yourselves had ^(D)a better possession and an abiding one.

⁴ For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction, ^(A)just as it has come to pass, and just as you know.

⁷ In the days of his flesh, ^(A)Jesus^[a] offered up prayers and supplications, ^(B)with loud cries and tears, to him ^(C)who was able to save him from death, and ^(D)he was heard because of his reverence. ⁸ Although ^(E)he was a son, ^(F)he learned obedience through what he suffered.

⁴ Therefore ^(A)we ourselves boast about you ^(B)in the churches of God for your steadfastness and faith ^(C)in all your persecutions and in the afflictions that you are enduring.

²² And I was still unknown in person to ^(A)the churches of Judea that are in Christ.

⁶ And ^(A)you became imitators of us ^(B)and of the Lord, for ^(C)you received the word in much affliction, ^(D)with the ^(E)joy of the Holy Spirit,

Encouragement to Give Generously

8 We want you to know, brothers,^[a] about the grace of God that has been ^(A)given among the churches of Macedonia, ² for in a severe test of affliction, their abundance of joy and ^(B)their extreme poverty have overflowed in a wealth of generosity on their part.

Greeting

1 ^(A)Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy,

To the church of the Thessalonians in God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: