1 Thessalonians, Chapter 2

1. For you yourselves, brethren, know our coming to you, that it was not in vain:    2. But even after we had suffered before, and were shamefully treated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much opposition.    3. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:    4. But as we were considered by God to be qualified to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who examines our hearts.    5. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a covering for covetousness; God is witness:    6. Nor from men did we seek glory, neither from you, nor yet from others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.    7. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children:    8. So having strong affection for you, we were willing to have imparted to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.    9. For you remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for laboring night and day, because we would not be an expense to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.    10. You are witnesses, and God also, how holy and just and blameless we were among you who believe:    11. As you know how we exhorted and comforted and instructed every one of you, as a father does his children,    12. That you would walk worthy of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.    13. For this reason also we thank God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectively works also in you who believe.    14. For you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judea are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered like things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews:    15. Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God, and are opposed to all men:    16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath has come upon them to the greatest extent.    17. But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.    18. Therefore we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.    19. For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?    20. For you are our glory and joy.