⁴⁵ When the Jews saw the crowds, they were filled with jealousy. They began to contradict what Paul was saying^(A) and heaped abuse^(B) on him.

⁵⁰ But the Jewish leaders incited the God-fearing women of high standing and the leading men of the city. They stirred up persecution against Paul and Barnabas, and expelled them from their region.^(A)

² But the Jews who refused to believe stirred up the other Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brothers.^(A)

⁴ The people of the city were divided; some sided with the Jews, others with the apostles.^{(A) 5} There was a plot afoot among both Gentiles and Jews,^(B) together with their leaders, to mistreat them and stone them.^(C)

¹⁴ For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators^(A) of God’s churches in Judea,^(B) which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own people^(C) the same things those churches suffered from the Jews ¹⁵ who killed the Lord Jesus^(D) and the prophets^(E) and also drove us out. They displease God and are hostile to everyone ¹⁶ in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles^(F) so that they may be saved. In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.^(G) The wrath of God has come upon them at last.^[a]

Paul’s Longing to See the Thessalonians

¹⁷ But, brothers and sisters, when we were orphaned by being separated from you for a short time (in person, not in thought),^(H) out of our intense longing we made every effort to see you.^{(I) 18} For we wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, did, again and again—but Satan^(J) blocked our way.^{(K) 19} For what is our hope, our joy, or the crown^(L) in which we will glory^(M) in the presence of our Lord Jesus when he comes?^(N) Is it not you? ²⁰ Indeed, you are our glory^(O) and joy.