2 For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.
2 But even after we had suffered before (and were insulted at Philippi, as you know) we were emboldened by God to speak the Gospel of God to you with much struggle.
3 For our encouragement was not in error, nor of impurity, nor by deceit.
4 But just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the Gospel, so we speak - not as those who please man, but God, Who examines our hearts.
5 Nor did we ever at any time use flattering words (as you know), nor cloaked covetousness. God is our witness.
6 Nor did we seek the praise of man - either by you or by others - when we might have imposed on you as the Apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children.
8 Having this affection toward you, it was our pleasure to have shared with you not only the Gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.
9 For you remember, brothers, our labor and travail. For we labored day and night (so that we would not be a burden to any of you) and preached to you the Gospel of God.
10 You and God are witnesses of how holily, and justly, and unblameably we behaved among you who believe.
11 As you know how we exhorted and comforted and testified to every one of you (as a father to his children.)
12 So that you would walk worthy of God, Who has called you to His kingdom, and glory.
13 For this reason also, we thank God unceasingly that when you received the word of God (which you heard from us) you did not receive it as the word of man, but as it really is - the word of God - which also works in you who believe.
14 For brothers, you have become followers of the churches of God (which in Judea are in Christ Jesus) because you have also suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they have from the Judeans,
15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own Prophets and have driven us out. And they do not please God and are contrary to all mankind
16 and forbid us to preach to the Gentiles (so that they might be saved), always fulfilling their sins. But wrath has come upon them to the utmost.
17 But since, brothers, we were kept from you for a season (as far as sight, but not in the heart), we were eager to see your face with great desire.
18 Therefore, we would have come to you (I Paul, at least once or twice) but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20 Yes! You are our glory and joy!