14. You, brothers and sisters, were like the churches of God in Judea that are united with Christ Jesus. You suffered the same persecutions from the people of your own country as those churches did from the Jews
15. who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and who have persecuted us severely. They are displeasing to God. They are enemies of the whole human race
16. because they try to keep us from telling people who are not Jewish how they can be saved. The result is that those Jews always commit as many sins as possible. So at last they are receiving ⌊God’s⌋ anger.
17. Brothers and sisters, we have been separated from you for a little while. Although we may not be able to see you, you’re always in our thoughts. We have made every possible effort to fulfill our desire to see you.
18. We wanted to visit you. I, Paul, wanted to visit you twice already, but Satan made that impossible.
19. Who is our hope, joy, or prize that we can brag about in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Isn’t it you?
20. You are our glory and joy!