1 Thessalonians, Chapter 2

1. For, my brothers, you yourselves know our coming in to you, that it was not in vain.    2. But also suffering before, being insulted in Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much agony.    3. For our exhortation to you was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile,    4. but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who tries our hearts.    5. For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor with pretense of covetousness; God is witness.    6. Nor did we seek glory from men, neither from you nor from others, being able to be so with heaviness, as apostles of Christ.    7. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse warmly cherishes her children.    8. So affectionately longing for you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you have become beloved to us.    9. For, brothers, you remember our labor and toil. For laboring night and day in order not to put a burden on any one of you, we preached the gospel of God to you.    10. You and God are witnesses how holily and justly and blamelessly we were to you who believe,    11. even as you know how we exhorted and comforted and testified to each one of you, as a father to his children,    12. that you should walk worthy of God, who has called you to His kingdom and glory.    13. And for this cause we thank God without ceasing, that when you received the Word of hearing, of God, you welcomed it as the Word of God, not as a word of men, but as it is, truly the Word of God, which also effectually works in you who believe.    14. For you, brothers, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also have suffered these things by your own countrymen, even as they also by the Jews;    15. who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, also driving us out and they do not please God and being contrary to all men,    16. forbidding us to speak to the nations that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always; but the wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.    17. But, my brothers, when we were taken away from you for an hour's time (in presence, not in heart), we were much more eager with much desire to see your face.    18. Therefore we desired to come to you, truly I, Paul, both once and twice; but Satan hindered us.    19. For what is our hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are you not even to be in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?    20. For you are our glory and joy.