I Thessalonians 2

1. For you yourselves, brethren, know that the visit we had with you was not without effect.

2. But before we came, we had suffered and had been insulted at Philippi, even as you know; but we were bold in our God to speak the gospel to you, even in much conflict.

3. For our exhortation was not out of error, nor from uncleanness, nor with guile;

4. But even as we were approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, we speak in this manner: as those who please not men, but God, Who proves our hearts.

5. For neither at any time did we use flattering words with you, even as you know, nor a cover for covetousness—God is our witness;

6. Nor were we seeking glory from men, neither from you nor from others, though as Christ’s apostles we had the power to be burdensome;

7. But we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cherishes her own children.

8. Yearning over you in the same way, we were willing to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you were beloved to us.

9. For you remember, brethren, our labor and our toil; for we were working night and day so as not to be a burden to anyone among you, while we proclaimed the gospel of God.

10. You are witnesses, and also God, how holily and righteously and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you who believe;

11. Even as you know how we were exhorting and consoling each one of you, as a father does his own children,

12. And earnestly testifying, that you may walk worthily of God, Who is calling you to His own kingdom and glory.

13. Because of this, we give thanks to God without ceasing: that when you received the Word of God, which you heard from us, you did not accept it as the word of men, but even as it is in truth—the Word of God, which is also working in you who believe.

14. For, brethren, you became imitators of the churches of God in Judea which are in Christ Jesus; because you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they also suffered from the Jews;

15. Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove you out, and do not please God, and are contrary to all men,

16. Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved in order to fill up their sins always. But the wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

17. Now we, brethren, having been separated from you for a short time, but not in heart, are making every effort to see you again, with much desire.

18. For this reason we sought to come to you, even I, Paul, both once and 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. For you are our glory and our joy.