1SO you yourselves, my brethren, know that our entrance among you was not in vain: 2But from the beginning we suffered and as you know were treated shamefully, at Philip’pi; then with more struggle but with confidence in our God, we preached to you the gospel of Christ. 3For our comfort did not spring from deception, nor from uncleanness, nor from enticing speech: 4But just as we have been examined by God to be entrusted with his gospel, even so we speak, not to please men, but to please God who searches our hearts. 5And we have never used flattering words, as you know, to conceal greed; God is witness: 6And we have not sought support from men, neither from you, nor from others, when we could have been burdensome on you for our maintenance, as the apostles of Christ should be. 7But we were meek when we were among you, and like a foster mother who loves her children: 8Likewise, we are affectionately desirous to give you, not only the gospel of God, but even our lives, because you were dear to us.

9For you remember, brethren, that we labored hard, working night and day, with our hands, so that we would not burden you. 10You are witnesses, and God also, how we preached to you the gospel of God, purely and righteously, and we lived blamelessly among all the believers. 11You know how we exhorted and encouraged and charged every one of you, as a father does his children, 12And we bore the testimony to you, so that you may live a life worthy of God, who has called you to his kingdom and glory.

13For this cause also we thank God continually, 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 of God, which works effectively in you who believe. 14For you, my brethren, have taken the pattern of the churches of God in Judæa which are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered from the people of your own tribe, even as they have suffered from the Jews; 15Who both killed the LORD Jesus Christ, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God, and are against all men; 16Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, adding this to their sins always; but the wrath of God is upon them to the uttermost.

17But we, brethren, have been deprived of your affection for a little while, yet only in presence and not in heart, so we have with great love vigorously endeavored to see your faces. 18And we have wanted to come to you; I, Paul, tried several times but Satan hindered me. 19For what is our hope, our joy, or crown of our glorying? Is it not you in the presence of our LORD Jesus when he comes? 20For you are our glory and our joy.