1 Thessalonians 2:14
For you brothers became imitators of the churches of God in Judea, which are in [fellowship with] Christ, for you people also suffered the same things from your own countrymen that they did from the Jews,
Galatians 1:22
[At this time] I was still unknown personally to churches in [the province of] Judea, which are in [fellowship with] Christ.
1 Thessalonians 1:6
And you became imitators of us and of the Lord. [And even though] you suffered much affliction, you welcomed the message with joy [given to you] by the Holy Spirit,
1 Thessalonians 3:4
For even when we were with you, we warned you that we were going to be persecuted, and as you know, it has turned out that way.
2 Thessalonians 1:4
Therefore, we ourselves speak proudly about you among the churches of God because of your steadfastness and faith amid all the persecutions and afflictions that you are enduring.
Hebrews 10:33-34
Sometimes you were subjected to public ridicule and abuse, and at other times you shared [vicariously] with those people who were treated that way.
Acts 8:1
And Saul was in full agreement with Stephen being put to death. And a great persecution broke out against the Jerusalem church, and all the disciples, except the apostles, were scattered throughout the districts of Judea and Samaria.
Acts 8:3
But Saul brought devastation to the church by entering everyone's house and dragging men and women off to jail.
Acts 9:1
With every breath [it seemed], Saul [expressed his desire to] threaten and murder the Lord's disciples and [even] went to the head priest
Acts 9:13
But Ananias answered, "Lord, I have heard from many people about how much harm this man has done to your holy people at Jerusalem.
Acts 9:31
So, the church throughout all of Judea, Galilee and Samaria was multiplied in number, enjoyed peace, was built up [spiritually] and lived in awe of the Lord and was comforted by the Holy Spirit.
Acts 11:19
Those who were scattered everywhere as a result of the persecution [being waged against the church] because of Stephen's [death], traveled as far away as Phoenicia, Cyprus and Antioch, declaring the message to Jews only.
Acts 12:1-3
Now about that time King Herod began a persecution of certain people in the [Jerusalem] church. [Note: This man was the grandson of Herod the Great. See Matt. 2:1].
Acts 17:1-8
Now when they [Note: A change from the use of "we" to "they" suggests that the writer Luke remained behind in Philippi at this point] had traveled through the [Macedonian] towns of Amphipolis and Apollonia, they came to [the city of] Thessalonica where there was a Jewish synagogue.
Acts 17:13
But when the Jews of Thessalonica learned that Paul was proclaiming the message of God at Berea also, they went there too, and incited and upset the crowds.
1 Corinthians 7:17
Each person should live according to what the Lord has given him and in the state he was when God called him. And this is what I require in all the churches.
2 Corinthians 8:1-2
Now, brothers, we want you to know about the favor God has given to the churches in Macedonia.
1 Thessalonians 1:1
[This letter is from] Paul, and Silvanus and Timothy, [and is being sent] to the church of the Thessalonians [Note: This was a town in present-day northeastern Greece] in [fellowship with] God, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. May God's unearned favor and peace be upon you.
2 Thessalonians 1:1
[This letter is from] Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, [and is being sent] to the church of the Thessalonians in [fellowship with] God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.
Hebrews 5:7-8
During His life on earth Jesus offered up prayers and special requests with loud crying and tears to God, who was able to save Him from dying, and He was heard because of His [earnest] devotion [to God].