1 Thessalonians 2:1-8

Contemporary English Version

Paul's Work in Thessalonica

2 My friends, you know our time with you wasn't wasted. ^2 (A) As you remember, we had been mistreated and insulted at Philippi. But God gave us the courage to tell you the good news about him, even though many people caused us trouble. ³ We didn't have any hidden motives when we won you over, and we didn't try to fool or trick anyone. ⁴ God was pleased to trust us with his message. We didn't speak to please people, but to please God who knows our motives.

⁵ You also know we didn't try to flatter anyone. God himself knows what we did wasn't a cover-up for greed. ⁶ We were not trying to get you or anyone else to praise us. ⁷ But as apostles, we could have demanded help from you. After all, Christ is the one who sent us. We chose to be like children or like a mother^[a] nursing her baby. ⁸ We cared so much for you, and you became so dear to us, that we were willing to give our lives for you when we gave you God's message.