1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not without fruit.

2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak the gospel of God to you in much conflict.

3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.

4 But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, even so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God, who tests our hearts.

5 For neither at any time did we use flattering words, as you know, nor in pretense of covetousness; God is witness.

6 Nor did we seek honor from men, either from you or from others, when we might have been authoritative as apostles of Christ.

7 But we were gentle among you, just as a nurse cherishes her own children.

8 So, affectionately longing for you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you had become beloved to us.

9 For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil; for laboring night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

10 You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and uprightly and blamelessly we were among you who believe;

11 as you know how we exhorted, and encouraged, and charged every one of you, as a father does his own children,

12 that you would walk worthily of God who calls you into His kingdom and glory.

13 For this reason we also thank God without ceasing, because when you received the Word of God which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which also effectively works in you who believe.

14 For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus. For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen, just as they did from the Judeans,

15 who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, and have driven us out; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men,

16 forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, so as always to fill up the measure of their sins; but wrath has come upon them to the end.

17 But we, brethren, having been taken away from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored more eagerly, with great desire, to see your face.

18 Therefore we wanted to come to you; even I, Paul, time and again; but Satan hindered us.

19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming.

20 For you are our glory and joy.