Paul’s Conduct

2 For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit^(A) with you was not without result. ² On the contrary, after we had previously suffered^(B) and were treated outrageously in Philippi,^(C) as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition. ³ For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity^(D) or an intent to deceive.^{(E) 4} Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted^(F) with the gospel,^(G) so we speak, not to please people, but rather God,^(H) who examines our hearts.^{(I) 5} For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy^(J) motives^(K)—God is our witness^(L)— ⁶ and we didn’t seek glory^(M) from people, either from you or from others. ⁷ Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles,^(N) instead we were gentle^[a] among you, as a nurse^[b] nurtures her own children. ⁸ We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. ⁹ For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Working^(O) night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. ¹⁰ You are witnesses,^(P) and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously,^(Q) and blamelessly^(R) we conducted ourselves with you believers. ¹¹ As you know, like a father with his own children,^{(S) 12} we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God,^(T) who calls you into his own kingdom^(U) and glory.^(V)

A Tree and Its Fruit

⁴³ “A good tree doesn’t produce bad fruit; on the other hand, a bad tree doesn’t produce good fruit.^{[a](A) 44} For each tree is known by its own fruit. Figs aren’t gathered from thornbushes, or grapes picked from a bramble bush. ⁴⁵ A good person produces good out of the good stored up in his heart. An evil person produces evil out of the evil stored up in his heart, for his mouth speaks from the overflow of the heart.

¹² For the word of God is living and effective^(A) and sharper than any double-edged sword,^(B) penetrating as far as the separation of soul and spirit, joints and marrow. It is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.^(C)