1 Thessalonians 2:1–10

Paul Remembers When He Was with the Thessalonians

¹You know, brothers and sisters, that our time with you was not wasted. ²As you know, we suffered rough and insulting treatment in Philippi. But our God gave us the courage to tell you his Good News in spite of strong opposition. 

³When we encouraged you, we didn’t use unethical schemes, corrupt practices, or deception. ⁴Rather, we are always spreading the Good News. God trusts us to do this because we passed his test. We don’t try to please people but God, who tests our motives. ⁵As you know, we never used flattery or schemes to make money. God is our witness! ⁶We didn’t seek praise from people, from you or from anyone else, ⁷although as apostles of Christ we had the right to do this. 

Instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children. ⁸We felt so strongly about you that we were determined to share with you not only the Good News of God but also our lives. That’s how dear you were to us! ⁹You remember, brothers and sisters, our work and what we did to earn a living. We worked night and day so that we could bring you the Good News of God without being a burden to any of you. ¹⁰You and God are witnesses of how pure, honest, and blameless we were in our dealings with you believers.