Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica

2 You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you^(A) was not without results.^{(B) 2} We had previously suffered^(C) and been treated outrageously in Philippi,^(D) as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.^{(E) 3} For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,^(F) nor are we trying to trick you.^{(G) 4} On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(H) We are not trying to please people^(I) but God, who tests our hearts.^{(J) 5} You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(K)—God is our witness.^{(L) 6} We were not looking for praise from people,^(M) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(N) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^{(O) 7} Instead, we were like young children^[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^{(P) 8} so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God^(Q) but our lives as well.^(R)