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As I read this encouragement from Paul to the Thessalonians I am also encouraged about the hardships and persecutions that I may encounter in life. I have to admit that I have not endured the type of persecution or hardship that I am sure the members of this church did. But, it does make me wonder what type of persecution they did go through. Because as I do believe that these words are true and God will be faithful to these words, they are set in a particular context. It is at the very least important for us to know that just because we interpret a hard time as a persecution or we feel that someone is giving us trouble, it does not mean that God will automatically punish that person, or in the way we think they should be punished. It is my inclination that teils is referring to specific persecution for the living out and advancement of the Gospel in their pagan community. True persecution for the gospel is avenged by God. Not, the well-meaning, but possibly misguided works of those who have faith in God.