1 Thessalonians 2:1–10

Paul’s Conduct

2For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. ²But 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. ^3cFor our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

⁴But 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. ⁵For ^hneither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a ²cloak for covetousness—ⁱGod is witness. ^6jNor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when ^kwe might have ^lmade demands ^mas apostles of Christ. ⁷But ⁿwe were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. ⁸So, 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. ⁹For 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.

^10sYou are witnesses, and God also, ^thow devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe;