In 1 Thess 1:6, Paul says that, by receiving the Gospel with joy despite much affliction, the saints were not only imitating him but the Lord as well. In 2:13-16, Paul revisits this theme. When God’s people holdfast to Scripture as God’s Word, it works endurance that they might remain faithful in suffering. Whatever we might suffer for Christ cannot begin to compare with what He endured to bring us salvation.