³² For we are suffering because of our own sins.^(A)

³³ And if our living Lord is angry for a little while, to rebuke and discipline us, he will again be reconciled with his own servants.^(A)

³⁸ and through me and my brothers to bring to an end the wrath of the Almighty that has justly fallen on our whole nation.”^(A)

Providential Significance of the Persecution

¹² Now I urge those who read this book not to be depressed by such calamities but to recognize that these punishments were designed not to destroy but to discipline our people.^{(A) 13} In fact, it is a sign of great kindness not to let the impious alone for long but to punish them immediately. ¹⁴ For in the case of the other nations the Lord waits patiently to punish them until they have reached the full measure of their sins, but he does not deal in this way with us,^{(B) 15} in order that he may not take vengeance on us afterward when our sins have reached their height. ¹⁶ Therefore he never withdraws his mercy from us. Although he disciplines us with calamities, he does not forsake his own people.^{(C) 17} Let what we have said serve as a reminder; we must go on briefly with the story.^(D)