Paul’s Conduct

For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit(A) with you was not without result. 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. For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity(D) or an intent to deceive.(E) 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) For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy(J) motives(K)—God is our witness(L) and we didn’t seek glory(M) from people, either from you or from others. 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. 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. 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)

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Footnotes

  1. 2:7 Many mss read infants
  2. 2:7 Or nursing mother

Paul’s ministry in Thessalonica

As you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, our visit with you wasn’t a waste of time. On the contrary, we had the courage through God to speak God’s good news in spite of a lot of opposition, although we had already suffered and were publicly insulted in Philippi, as you know. Our appeal isn’t based on false information, the wrong motives, or deception. Rather, we have been examined and approved by God to be trusted with the good news, and that’s exactly how we speak. We aren’t trying to please people, but we are trying to please God, who continues to examine our hearts. As you know, we never used flattery, and God is our witness that we didn’t have greedy motives. We didn’t ask for special treatment from people—not from you or from others— although we could have thrown our weight around as Christ’s apostles. Instead, we were gentle with you like a nursing mother caring for her own children. We were glad to share not only God’s good news with you but also our very lives because we cared for you so much. You remember, brothers and sisters, our efforts and hard work. We preached God’s good news to you, while we worked night and day so we wouldn’t be a burden on any of you. 10 You and God are witnesses of how holy, just, and blameless we were toward you believers. 11 Likewise, you know how we treated each of you like a father treats his own children. 12 We appealed to you, encouraged you, and pleaded with you to live lives worthy of the God who is calling you into his own kingdom and glory.

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