For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
Read it in contextThe word received amid suffering
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 2:13 (1 Thessalonians 2:13 to 1 Thessalonians 2:16).
An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
The readers' reception of the message and endurance under opposition connect them with other suffering churches.
2:13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
2:14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:
2:15Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
2:16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
Study content, not yet reviewed.
Who
Who wrote the book? Paul is the principal author, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 2:18. stated in the text
Who was present or being addressed in this passage? In the surrounding chapter context (1 Thessalonians 1:1–3:13): Paul, with Silvanus and Timothy named as co-senders, addresses the Thessalonian church about its reception of the gospel, afflictions, and Timothy's report. stated in the text
Who was the book written to? The church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, including converts who had turned from idols. Biblical references: 1 Thessalonians 1:1; 1 Thessalonians 1:9. stated in the text
What
What is the topic of this reading unit? The word received amid suffering. Read 1 Thessalonians 2:13 through 1 Thessalonians 2:16 as a connected unit. interpretation
How does it contribute to the book? The readers' reception of the message and endurance under opposition connect them with other suffering churches. interpretation
When
When are the events or message set? The letter recalls the founding ministry and Timothy's report and addresses the church's present questions. It does not provide a calendar date. book background
Where
What is the book’s geographic setting? The church at Thessalonica is addressed; Athens and Macedonia appear in the account of separation and ministry. book background
Where does the context start?
This passage sits in The word received amid suffering (1 Thessalonians 2:13 to 1 Thessalonians 2:16).
Start reading at 1 Thessalonians 2:13. An editorial reading unit, not a claim that the surrounding context stops here. Book background below applies to the shared passage; individual verses may need more specific explanation.
How
How does this book connect with Jesus Christ? The readers have turned to serve the living and true God and await His Son. The coming of the Lord grounds comfort concerning believers who have died and exhortations to holy living. See 1 Thessalonians 1:9, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, 1 Thessalonians 4:18. interpretation
How should this book guide our response? Encourage one another, work responsibly, and pursue holiness. Use the coming of the Lord for the comfort and watchfulness the letter calls for rather than speculative date-setting. interpretation
Cross references from CrossReferences-org (CC BY 4.0).
Macro-Structure
See how this passage fits the chapter and the book.
1 Thessalonians 2
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls how the team lived among the readers, presenting their conduct as evidence of genuine concern rather than exploitation.
Connection to the wholePaul explains his desire to return and the hindrance he encountered, preparing the account of Timothy's mission in chapter 3.
interpretation
Suggested literary divisions. Headings summarize the passage; they are not part of the biblical text.
1 Thessalonians
Prefilled outline, not yet reviewed.
Paul, Silvanus, and Timotheus address the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. Their conversion, affliction, and expectation of the Lord's coming frame instruction in holiness, love, and hope.
Connection to the wholeThe readers' response to the gospel and their witness to others introduce the letter's recurring themes of service, endurance, and expectation.
Connection to the wholePaul recalls the mission and separation, explains Timothy's visit, and prays for the church's growth and establishment in holiness.