Charles Ellicott Commentary 1 Thessalonians 2:14

"For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judaea in Christ Jesus: for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, even as they did of the Jews;" — 1 Thessalonians 2:14 (ASV)

For you.—“The effectual power of this word upon you is shown in your joining the Church in spite of such difficulties.”

Followers.—Better, imitators. The churches of Judea are probably selected for example, not only as being the oldest and best-organized churches, but the most afflicted, both by need (Acts 11:29, Acts 24:17, Romans 15:26), and (chiefly) by persecution from the “Jews.”

Your own countrymen.—See Acts 17:8-9. It was always the Jewish policy to persecute by means of others. Evidently the Thessalonian Church is almost entirely Gentile.