Paul reminds them of the godly life he led among them when he preached the gospel to them, thanks God that they receive his word so fruitfully, and excuses his absence.

2 For you yourselves know, brethren, of our coming to you, how it was not in vain. ² But even after we had suffered before, and were shamefully treated at Philippi (as you well know), then we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much striving. ³ Our exhortation was not to bring you to error, nor yet to uncleanness. Neither was it with guile,