1For you know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not futile;
2But even after we had been terribly mistreated in Philippi, with strength from our God, we were emboldened to proclaim to you the gospel of God, in the face of strong opposition.
3For you could see that our appeal to you was not with impure motives, nor trickery;
4But, just as we were approved and entrusted by God to proclaim the gospel, we did so - not to please men - but God, Who tests our hearts (examines our motives).
5For, as God is our witness, you know, that we never used flattering words, or had greedy motives that we tried to hide;
6Nor did we seek praise, from you, or others, even though, as the apostles of Christ, we could have asserted our authority.
7But, instead, we behaved gently among you, much like a nursing mother cares her children.
8So, because we felt love toward you, we shared not only the gospel of God with you, but our own selves, as well, because you had become dear to us.
9Surely, you remember, brothers and sisters, our labor and hardship, working night and day to support ourselves, because we did not want to be a burden to any of you, while we preached the gospel of God to you.
10You are witnesses, and so is God, how holy, just and beyond reproach our behavior was among you who believe,
11For you know how we treated and encouraged each of you, like a father with his children,
12That you would live lives worthy of God, Who has called you into His kingdom and glory.
13Therefore, we continually thank God because, when you heard the word of God from us, you received it - not as the ideas of men, but as it actually is - the very word of God, which works effectively in you who believe.
14For you, brothers and sisters, became like the churches of God in Christ Jesus, that are in Judaea; for you have also suffered abuse from your own countrymen, just as those churches have from the Jews,
15Who killed both the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us. They are displeasing God; and hostile to all mankind,
16As they try to prevent us from preaching the Good News of the gospel and bring salvation to the Gentiles. In this way, they continue to pile up their sins; but the wrath of God has caught up with them at last.
17But we, brothers and sisters, when we were separated from you for a short time in person, but not in our thoughts, endeavored all the more to come and see you.
18We, and I, Paul, especially, tried to come to see you, time and again; but Satan prevented us.
19For what is our hope, joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not seeing you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20For, indeed, you are our glory and joy. Easy Reader Bible: Purple Letter Edition © 2023 by Jim Musser. Used by Permission. All rights Reserved. Bible Hub |
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