1 Thessalonians 2

1 For you yourselves, brethren know that our entrance into your hearts was not in vain (but has brought forth much fruit):

2 But after we had previously suffered as you well know being shamefully mistreated at Philippi, we waxed bold in (the testimony of) God (in Christ) to speak (confidently) unto you the gospel of God in the midst of so much conflict.

3 For our exhortation was not from deceit, nor of uncleanness (or from selfish motives), nor with any guile (or trickery):

4 But just as we were proven by God (in our own hearts) to be (persuaded of and) entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who approves (and confirms His testimony in) our hearts.

5 For as you know, neither did we at any time use flattering words (of man’s wisdom), nor a cover for greed (or covetousness); God is (our) witness:

6 Nor did we seek the glory of men, neither from you, nor of others, when we might have been (weighty and) burdensome, (using our authority) as the apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle (and light) among you, even as a nurturing mother cherishes her children:

8 Being so affectionately desirous of you (and the care of your lives), we were willing to have imparted unto you, not only the gospel of God, but also (we poured out) our very lives, because you were so precious to us.

9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and hardships: how that we worked night and day, so that we would not be (a burden, or an expense) chargeable to any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God (in Christ).

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how that in a manner fitting of His life and justice and unblameable (to all men) we conducted ourselves among you that believe:

11 As you know how we encouraged and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father does his children,

12 So that you would walk (in the same way, in a manner) fitting of God (the Father, and the life He has set apart for you), who has called you into (fellowship with Christ and) His kingdom and glory.

13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word (and the testimony) of God (in Christ), which (word) is also (continually) effectually (and powerfully) working in you that believe.

14 For you, brethren, became followers of (the way like) the churches of God in Judaea which are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered similar things of your fellow countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

15 Who have both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God, because they are contrary to (the way by which) all men (might experience His life):

16 Forbidding (and hindering) us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, always (desiring) to fill up (and be justified in) their own way and (corrupt) wisdom: for the wrath (and judgement against the way that serves with death) is come upon them to the uttermost.

17 But we, brethren, being separated from your presence for a short time, but not in our heart, have determined even more abundantly to see your faces (again) with great desire.

18 Therefore (having desired) we would have come to you one or more times, even I Paul; but (messengers of) Satan hindered us.

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown that we may boast (in the Lord)? Is it not even you (being glorified along with us) in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?