Paul’s Conduct

2 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But 1even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at aPhilippi, as you know, we were bbold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 cFor our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

4 But as dwe have been approved by God eto be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, fnot as pleasing men, but God gwho tests our hearts. 5 For hneither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a 2cloak for covetousness—iGod is witness. 6 jNor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when kwe might have lmade demands mas apostles of Christ. 7 But nwe were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased oto impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also pour own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our qlabor and toil; for laboring night and day, rthat we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

10 sYou are witnesses, and God also, thow devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and 3charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 uthat you would walk worthy of God vwho calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Their Conversion

13 For this reason we also thank God wwithout ceasing, because when you xreceived the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it ynot as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively zworks in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators aof the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For byou also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 15 cwho killed both the Lord Jesus and dtheir own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God eand are 4contrary to all men, 16 fforbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always gto fill up the measure of their sins; hbut wrath has come upon them to the uttermost.

Longing to See Them

17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time iin presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire. 18 Therefore we wanted to come to you—even I, Paul, time and again—but jSatan hindered us. 19 For kwhat is our hope, or joy, or lcrown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the mpresence of our Lord Jesus Christ nat His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.