⁶ You became imitators of us^(A) and of the Lord, for you welcomed the message in the midst of severe suffering^(B) with the joy^(C) given by the Holy Spirit.^(D)

Timothy’s Encouraging Report

⁶ But Timothy^(A) has just now come to us from you^(B) and has brought good news about your faith and love.^(C) He has told us that you always have pleasant memories of us and that you long to see us, just as we also long to see you.^{(D) 7} Therefore, brothers and sisters, in all our distress and persecution we were encouraged about you because of your faith. ⁸ For now we really live, since you are standing firm^(E) in the Lord.

Thanksgiving and Prayer

³ We ought always to thank God for you,^(A) brothers and sisters,^[a] and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.^(B)

⁴ Therefore, among God’s churches we boast^(A) about your perseverance and faith^(B) in all the persecutions and trials you are enduring.^(C)