8 We cared so much for you that we were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Workingan night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you. 10 You are witnesses,ao and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously,ap and blamelesslyaq we conducted ourselves with you believers. 11 As you know, like a father with his own children,ar 12 we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God,as who calls you into his own kingdomat and glory.au

RECEPTION AND OPPOSITION TO THE MESSAGE

13 This is why we constantly thank God, because when you received the word of God that you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message, but as it truly is,av the word of God,aw which also works effectively in you who believe.