Revised Common Lectionary (Semicontinuous)

And We Thank God You Accepted Our Message As God’s Word, Even Amidst Persecution

¹³ And for this^[a] reason we are indeed^[b] giving-thanks to God unceasingly: because having received the word of God heard from us^[c], you accepted not the word of humans, but, as it truly is, the word of God, which also is at-work^[d] in you, the ones believing. ¹⁴ For you became imitators, brothers, of the churches of God existing in Judea in Christ Jesus, because you also suffered the same things by your own countrymen as they also by the Jews— ¹⁵ the ones also^[e] having killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and having driven us out, and not being pleasing to God, and being contrary^[f] to all people, ¹⁶ forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles in order that they might be saved, so that they fill-up^[g] the measure of their sins always. But the wrath^[h] came^[i] upon them to the uttermost^[j].

We Sent Timothy To Establish You Amidst Your Afflictions, And That I Might Know Your Faith

¹⁷ And we, brothers, having been orphaned from you for a season of an hour in face, not in heart, were more eager^[k] with great desire to see your face. ¹⁸ Because we wanted^[l] to come to you— I, Paul, both once and twice^[m]— and Satan hindered us. ¹⁹ For what^[n] is our hope or joy or crown of boasting— or is it not indeed you!— before our Lord Jesus at His coming? ²⁰ For you are our glory and joy.