Chapter 2

For you yourselves, brethren, know that our coming among you was not in vain.

But although we had previously experienced suffering and shameful treatment at Philippi, as you know, we had confidence in our God to preach to you the gospel of God amid much anxiety.

For our exhortation was not from error, nor from impure motives, nor from guile.

But as approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts.

For at no time have we used words of flattery, as you know, nor any pretext for avarice, God is witness,

nor have we sought glory from men, neither from you nor from others.

Although as the apostles of Christ, we could have claimed a position of honor among you, still while in your midst we were as children: as if a nurse were cherishing her own children,

so we in our love for you would gladly have imparted to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls; because you had become most dear to us.

For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil. We worked night and day so as not to be a burden to any of you while we preached to you the gospel of God.

You are witnesses and God also, how holy and just and blameless was our conduct towards you who have believed;

inasmuch as you are aware of how we entreated and comforted each one of you, acting towards you as a father towards his children,

declaring to you that you should walk worthily of God, who called you unto his kingdom and glory. Thanksgiving for Their Constancy

Therefore we too give thanks to God without ceasing, because when you heard and received from us the word of God, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but, as it truly is, the word of God, who works in you who have believed.

For you, brethren, have become imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus, in that you also have suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they have from the Jews,

who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and have persecuted us. They are displeasing to God, and are hostile to all men,

because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles, that they may be saved. Thus they are always filling up the measure of their sins, for the wrath of God has come upon them to the utmost.

But we, brethren, being bereaved of you for a short time, in sight, not in heart, have made more than ordinary efforts to hasten to see you, so great has been our desire.

For we wanted to come to you---I, Paul, more than once---but Satan hindered us.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glory, if not you before our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

Yes, you are our glory and joy.