Matthew Poole and continuators on 1 Thessalonians 2:14

14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus ; for * ye also have suffered like things of your own countrey-men , even as they hav[illegible: 1 letter] of the Jews .

This proves the assertion of the foregoing verse, as the Illative For doth shew. They were followers of the Churches in Iudaea, which shewed the word wrought in them effectually. Though the greatest part of the Iews believed not, yet many did, and hereupon we read of Churches in Iudaea. Though there was before but one National Church, yet now in Gospel times the Churches were many.

And believing in Christ they are called Churches in him, gathered together in his name, into his institutions, and by his Spirit, and these Thessalonians became followers, or imitators of them, or in the same circumstances with them. The Churches among the Jewes were the first planted, and the Gentile Churches followed them, conforming to the Faith, Worship and Order that was first in them, yea, and imitating their Faith and Patience in suffering.

The Jewes that believed, suffered from the unbelieving Jewes of their own country, so did these Thessalonians. But whether the Apostle means only the Gentiles of Thessalonica, or the Iewes that dwelt there and were born among them, is uncertain. For the persecution mentioned Acts 17. was chiefly from the Jewish Synagogue, though the Gentiles might also joyn with them therein.

They suffered As the Churches of Iudaea, namely, in the same kind, as Heb. 10.32, 33, 34. And in the same cause, and with the same joy, constancy and courage: And here Christs words are fulfilled, that a mans Enemies shall be those of his own house, Mat. 10.36.