Paul’s Ministry

1For you know, brethren, our coming unto you, that it was not in vain: 2but having suffered, and been abused, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3For our exhortation was not from delusion, nor from impurity, nor in guile: 4but as we were approved of God that the gospel should be intrusted unto us, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who is proving our hearts, 5For at that time we were not in word of flattery, as you know, nor in a pretext of covetousness, God is our witness; 6nor seeking glory from men, nor from you, nor from others, being able to be burdensome, as the apostles of Christ; 7but we were gentle in the midst of you, as if a nurse may cherish her children; 8being so desirous of you, that we are anxious not only to give the gospel of God, but our own souls, because you are beloved unto us.

9For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil: night and day working, that we should burden no one of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10You are witnesses, and God, how sacredly and righteously and blamelessly we were unto you who believed: 11as you know, exhorting each one of you, as a father of his own children, and comforting you, 12and testifying, that you walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.

13And on account of this we also give thanks to God incessantly, because, receiving the word of God from us by hearing, you received it not as the word of men, but, as it truly is, the word of God, who indeed works in you who believe. 14For ye, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Jesus Christ: because you suffered the same things from your fellow tribes, as they also from the Jews; 15who even killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and persecuted us, and are displeasing to God, and hostile to all men; 16forbidding that we should speak to the Gentiles in order that they may be saved; that they may fill up their sins always: but the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Paul’s Longing to Visit

17But, brethren, we having been absent from you for the space of an hour, in presence, not in heart, we were the more exceedingly anxious to see your face with much desire. 18Because we wish to come to you, I Paul indeed both once and twice; and Satan hindered me. 19For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing, except you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20For you are our glory and joy.