1 Thessalonians 1:6

1:6 And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, when you received ¹  the message with joy that comes from the Holy Spirit, despite great affliction.

1 Thessalonians 2:17

Forced Absence from Thessalonica

2:17 But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters, ²  for a short time (in presence, not in affection) ³  we became all the more fervent in our great desire ⁴  to see you in person. ⁵ 

1 Thessalonians 1:5

1:5 in that ⁶  our gospel did not come to you merely in words, ⁷  but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you). ⁸ 

¹ tn Or “after you received.”

² tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.

³ tn Grk “in face, not in heart.”

⁴ tn Grk “with great desire.”

⁵ tn Grk “to see your face.”

³ tn Or “because.”

⁴ tn Or “speech,” or “an act of speaking.”

⁵ tn Grk “just as you know what sort of people we were among you for your sakes.” Verse 5 reflects on the experience of Paul and his fellow preachers; v. 6 begins to describe the Thessalonians’ response.