1For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit2:1 Ac 17:1–9 with you was not without result.

2On the contrary, after we had previously suffered2:2 Ac 16:19–24 and were treated outrageously in Philippi,2:2 Php 1:1 as you know, we were emboldened by our God to speak the gospel of God to you in spite of great opposition.

3For our exhortation didn’t come from error or impurity2:3 1Th 4:7 or an intent to deceive.2:3 Ps 10:7

4Instead, just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted2:4 Lk 16:11 with the gospel,2:4 Ac 15:7; Gl 2:7; 1Tm 1:11 so we speak, not to please people, but rather God,2:4 Jn 5:44; 12:43; 1Co 4:5; 2Co 10:18; Gl 1:10; Php 3:19; 1Th 2:15; 1Pt 3:4 who examines our hearts.2:4 Ps 17:3; Pr 21:2; Rm 8:27

5For we never used flattering speech, as you know, or had greedy2:5 Eph 5:3 motives2:5 Mk 12:40; Lk 20:47; Jn 15:22; Ac 27:30; Php 1:18 — God is our witness2:5 Rm 1:9 — 

6and we didn’t seek glory2:6 Php 3:19 from people, either from you or from others.

7Although we could have been a burden as Christ’s apostles,2:7 Ac 1:2; Jd 17 instead we were gentle2:7 Many mss read infants among you, as a nurse2:7 Or nursing mother nurtures her own children.

8We 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.

9For you remember our labor and hardship, brothers and sisters. Working2:9 2Jn 8 night and day so that we would not burden any of you, we preached God’s gospel to you.

10You are witnesses,2:10 Rm 1:9 and so is God, of how devoutly, righteously,2:10 Ti 2:12 and blamelessly2:10 1Th 5:23 we conducted ourselves with you believers.

11As you know, like a father with his own children,2:11 1Co 4:14; Gl 4:19; 1Tm 1:2; Phm 10

12we encouraged, comforted, and implored each one of you to walk worthy of God,2:12 3Jn 6 who calls you into his own kingdom2:12 Mk 1:15; Ac 20:25 and glory.2:12 Lk 9:32; 24:26; Jn 17:24; 2Co 3:18; 1Pt 5:1; 2Pt 3:18

13This 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,2:13 2Th 3:1 the word of God,2:13 Lk 8:21 which also works effectively in you who believe.

14For you, brothers and sisters, became imitators of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea,2:14 Lk 1:5 since you have also suffered2:14 Php 1:29 the same things from people of your own country,2:14 Ac 17:5 just as they did from the Jews

15who killed the Lord Jesus2:15 Lk 24:20 and the prophets and persecuted us.2:15 Rm 11:3 They displease God and are hostile to everyone,

16by keeping us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. As a result, they are constantly filling up their sins to the limit,2:16 Mt 23:30–32 and wrath has overtaken them at last.2:16 Or to the end

17But as for us, brothers and sisters, after we were forced to leave you2:17 Lit orphaned from you for a short time (in person, not in heart2:17 Col 2:5), we greatly desired and made every effort to return2:17 1Th 3:10 and see you face to face.

18So we wanted to come to you — even I, Paul, time and again — but Satan2:18 Mt 4:1,10; Ac 13:10 hindered us.

19For who is our hope or joy2:19 Jn 15:11; 2Co 6:10 or crown2:19 Rv 12:1 of boasting2:19 2Co 12:5; Jms 4:16 in the presence of our Lord2:19 Rv 11:8 Jesus at his coming?2:19 1Th 1:10; 1Jn 2:28 Is it not you?2:19 1Co 15:31; 2Co 1:14; Php 4:1; 2Th 1:4

20Indeed you are our glory2:20 Jn 12:43; Php 3:19 and joy!