1 Thessalonians 2:14

Paul’s Ministry · 1 Thessalonians 2:1–16
Read 1 Thessalonians 2

Translations

Modern
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews,
Traditional
For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
Literal
For you became imitators, brothers, of the churches of God being in Judea in Christ Jesus, because you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they also did from the Jews,
Latin
…vos enim imitatores facti estis, fratres, ecclesiarum Dei, quæ sunt in Judæa in Christo Jesu: quia eadem passi estis et vos a contribulibus vestris, sicut et ipsi a Judæis:

Original

Greek
English
For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. You suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews,

Notes

The Thessalonian Christians suffered persecution. Their actions showed that they accepted the word of God (1:6). By suffering persecution, the Thessalonians followed the pattern of the apostles, the churches in Judea, and Christ himself (Acts 8:1).

The letter begins by discussing the character of Paul and his associates, as well as how the Thessalonians accepted the good news (2:1–12; 13–16).

It emphasizes Paul’s genuine care for the church, mentioning:

  • his efforts to visit them again (2:17–20), and

  • his choice to send Timothy when he could not go himself (3:1–5).

It concludes with the apostle Paul’s happiness about Timothy’s positive report and his prayers to return to the church (3:6–9; 10–13). This detailed defense addresses criticisms of Paul’s sudden departure and long absence.

People

Jesus: The Son of God and Savior of the world Judah: Israelite tribe, kingdom, and province

Places

Judea: The southern region of Israel, centered around Jerusalem

Glossary

First Letter to the Thessalonians

Topics

Church: The Wicked Persecute Modern Judea: Several Christian Churches In Paul: Persecutions Endured By Persecution of the Righteous The Church: The Wicked Persecute The Jews: Unbelieving, Persecuted the Christians