13 For this reason we also constantly athank God that when you received the bword of God which you heard from us, you accepted it cnot as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, dwhich also performs its work in you who believe.

14 For you, brethren, became aimitators of bthe churches of God in Christ Jesus that are cin Judea, for dyou also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, eeven as they did from the Jews,

15 awho both killed the Lord Jesus and bthe prophets, and 1drove us out. 2They are not pleasing to God, 2but hostile to all men,

16 ahindering us from speaking to the Gentiles bso that they may be saved; with the result that they always cfill up the measure of their sins. But dwrath has come upon them 1to the utmost.

17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a 1short while—ain 2person, not in 3spirit—were all the more eager with great desire bto see your face.

18 1For awe wanted to come to you—I, Paul, 2bmore than once—and yet cSatan dhindered us.

19 For who is our hope or ajoy or crown of exultation? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus at His 1bcoming?

20 For you are aour glory and joy.