1 Thessalonians 2:14-20

14For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

15who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,

16forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

17But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.

18Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but Satan hindered us.

19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

20For you are our glory and joy.