1 Thessalonians 2
1FOR yourselves, brethren, know our entrance to you, that it has not become vain.
2But having before suffered, and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
3For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;
4but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts.
5For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness;
6nor of men sought we glory, neither from you, nor from others, though able to use authority, as Christ's apostles.
7But we were gentle among you, as a nurse cherishes her children;
8so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because ye were dear to us.
9For ye remember, brethren, our labor and toil; night and day working, in order not to burden any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10Ye are witnesses, and God, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves to you that believe;
11as ye know how we exhorted, and encouraged, and charged every one of you, as a father his children,
12that ye should walk worthy of God, who is calling you into his kingdom and glory.
13For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that when ye received the word of God heard from us, ye received not the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you that believe.
14For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which are in Judaea in Christ Jesus; for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, as they have of the Jews;
15who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us forth, and please not God, and are contrary to all men;
16hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always; and the wrath came upon them to the utmost.
17But we, brethren, having been severed from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face, with great desire.
18Wherefore we would fain have come to you, even I, Paul, once and again; and Satan hindered us.
19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not also ye, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20For ye are our glory and joy.