1For you yourselves, brethren, know that the visit we had with you was not without effect. 2But 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. 3For our exhortation was not out of error, nor from uncleanness, nor with guile; 4But 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. 5For neither at any time did we use flattering words with you, even as you know, nor a cover for covetousness--God is our witness; 6Nor were we seeking glory from men, neither from you nor from others, though as Christ's apostles we had the power to be burdensome; 7But we were gentle among you, as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8Yearning 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.

9For 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. 10You are witnesses, and also God, how holily and righteously and blamelessly we conducted ourselves with you who believe; 11Even as you know how we were exhorting and consoling each one of you, as a father does his own children, 12And earnestly testifying, that you may walk worthily of God, Who is calling you to His own kingdom and glory.

13Because 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. 14For, 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; 15Who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and drove you out, and do not please God, and are contrary to all men, 16Forbidding 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.

17Now 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. 18For this reason we sought to come to you, even I, Paul, both once and twice; but Satan hindered us. 19For 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? 20For you are our glory and our joy.