1 Tessalonicenses 2

Paul’s Conduct

1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain. 2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at *Acts 14:5; 16:19–24; Phil. 1:30Philippi, as you know, we were *Acts 17:1–9bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. 3 *2 Cor. 7:2For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor wasit in deceit.

4 But as *1 Cor. 7:25we have been approved by God *Titus 1:3to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, *Gal. 1:10not as pleasing men, but God *Prov. 17:3who tests our hearts. 5 For *2 Cor. 2:17neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness—*Rom. 1:9; 1 Thess. 2:10God is witness. 6 *1 Tim. 5:17Nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, when *1 Cor. 9:4we might have *2 Cor. 11:9made demands *1 Cor. 9:1as apostles of Christ. 7 But *1 Cor. 2:3we were gentle among you, just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children. 8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased *Rom. 1:11to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also *2 Cor. 12:15; 1 John 3:16our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 9 For you remember, brethren, our *Acts 18:3; 20:34, 35; 1 Cor. 4:12; 2 Thess. 3:7, 8labor and toil; for laboring night and day, *2 Cor. 12:13that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

10 *2 Cor. 1:12; 1 Thess. 1:5You are witnesses, and God also,*2 Cor. 7:2how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe; 11 as you know how we exhorted, and comforted, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children, 12 *Eph. 4:1; Col. 1:10that you would walk worthy of God *Rom. 8:28; 1 Cor. 1:9; 1 Thess. 5:24; 2 Thess. 2:14; (2 Tim. 1:9)who calls you into His own kingdom and glory.

Their Conversion

13 For this reason we also thank God *Rom. 1:8; 1 Thess. 1:2, 3without ceasing, because when you *Mark 4:20received the word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it*(Matt. 10:20; Gal. 4:14)not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which also effectively *(1 Pet. 1:23)works in you who believe. 14 For you, brethren, became imitators *Gal. 1:22of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For *Acts 17:5; 1 Thess. 3:4; 2 Thess. 1:4you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans, 15 *Luke 24:20; Acts 2:23who killed both the Lord Jesus and *Jer. 2:30; Matt. 5:12; 23:34, 35; Acts 7:52their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they do not please God *Esth. 3:8and are contrary to all men, 16 *Luke 11:52forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved, so as always *Gen. 15:16; Dan. 8:23; Matt. 23:32to fill up themeasureof their sins; *Matt. 24:6but 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 *1 Cor. 5:3in 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 *Rom. 1:13; 15:22Satan hindered us. 19 For *2 Cor. 1:14what is our hope, or joy, or *Prov. 16:31crown of rejoicing? Isit not even you in the *Jude 24presence of our Lord Jesus Christ *1 Cor. 15:23at His coming? 20 For you are our glory and joy.