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)