1 Thessalonians Chapter 2
1 For you yourselves know, family⁺, that our entrance in to you was not in vain.
2 But even after we had suffered and were shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak the Gospel of God to you, even in much contention.
3 For our exhortation was not from error⁺ nor of uncleanness, nor in deceitfulness⁺.
4 But as we were allowed by God to be entrusted⁺ with the Gospel, even so we speak. Not as pleasing men, but God, who proves⁺ our hearts.
5 For as you know, we did not at any time use flattering words or a cloak of covetousness. God is our witness.
6 We did not seek glory from people or from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we could have placed a burden on you.
7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nurse cherishes her children.
8 So, because of our deep affection for you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not only the Gospel of God, but also our very own souls, because you were so dear to us.
9 For you remember, family⁺, our labor and toil⁺, for working⁺ night and day to not be a burden⁺ to any of you, we proclaimed⁺ the Gospel of God to you.
10 You are our witnesses, and God also, how holy⁺ and righteously⁺ and blamelessly⁺ we behaved ourselves among you who believe.
11 As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged everyone of you, as a father does his own children,
12 so that you would walk worthy of God who has called you to His kingdom and glory.
13 For this reason⁺ also, we thank God without ceasing. Because, even though you received the Word of God that you heard from us, you did not receive it as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God that works effectively in you who believe.
14 For you, family⁺, became followers of the assemblies⁺ of God in Judea that are in Christ Jesus. For you also have suffered like things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews.
15 For the Jews killed their own prophets and the Lord Jesus and they persecuted us. They do not please God and they are contrary to all people⁺,
16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles so that they might be saved, thus to fill up their sins always. But the wrath of God is coming upon them to the uttermost.
17 But we, family⁺, being taken from you for a short time in presence though not in heart, have endeavored all the more abundantly and with great desire, to see you in person⁺.
18 Therefore, we, even I Paul, would have come to you once and again, but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope or joy or crown of rejoicing? Is it not to see you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?
20 For you are our glory and joy.