New Testament Lesson

1 Thess. 2:13-20 (NRSV)

13 We also constantly give thanks to God for this, that when you received the word of God that you heard
from us, you accepted it not as a human word but as what it really is, God's word, which is also at work in
you believers. 14For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that
are in Judea, for you suffered the same things from your own compatriots as they did from the Jews, 15who
killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out; they displease God and oppose everyone 16by
hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they have constantly been filling
up the measure of their sins; but God's wrath has overtaken them at last.

17 As for us, brothers and sisters, when, for a short time, we were made orphans by being separated from
you-in person, not in heart-we longed with great eagerness to see you face to face. 18For we wanted to
come to you-certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again-but Satan blocked our way. 19For what is our
hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20Yes, you are our glory
and joy!

The Word of the Lord.

Thanks be to God.