Paul’s Conduct
1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.
2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated atPhilippi, as you know, we werebold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
3 For our exhortationdidnotcomefrom error or uncleanness, norwasitin deceit.
4 But aswe have been approved by Godto be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak,not as pleasing men, but Godwho tests our hearts.
5 Forneither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—Godiswitness.
6 Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, whenwe might havemade demandsas apostles of Christ.
7 Butwe were gentle among you, just as a nursingmothercherishes her own children.
8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleasedto impart to you not only the gospel of God, but alsoour own lives, because you had become dear to us.
9 For you remember, brethren, ourlabor and toil; for laboring night and day,that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 Youarewitnesses, and Godalso,how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;
11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a fatherdoeshis own children,
12 that you would walk worthy of Godwho calls you into His own kingdom and glory.
Their Conversion
13 For this reason we also thank Godwithout ceasing, because when youreceived the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomeditnotasthe word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectivelyworks in you who believe.
14 For you, brethren, became imitatorsof the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. Foryou also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as theydidfrom the Judeans,
15 who killed both the Lord Jesus andtheir own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please Godand are contrary to all men,
16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as alwaysto fill upthemeasureoftheir sins;but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.
Longing to See Them
17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short timein presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire.
18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—butSatan hindered us.
19 Forwhatisour hope, or joy, orcrown of rejoicing?Isitnot even you in thepresence of our Lord Jesus Christat His coming?
20 For you are our glory and joy.