1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in to you, that it was not in vain:
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much contention.
3 For our exhortation [(was)] not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
4 But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which tries our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God [(is)] witness:
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor [(yet)] of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherishes her children:
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted to you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because you were dear to us.
9 For you remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable to any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 You [(are)] witnesses, and God [(also)], how holily and justly and un blamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
11 As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father [(doth)] his children,
12 That you would walk worthy of God, who hath called you to his kingdom and glory.
13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God which you heard of us, you received [(it)] not [(as)] the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually works also in you that believe.
14 For you, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they [(have)] of the Jews:
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18 Wherefore we would have come to you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19 For what [(is)] our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? [(Are)] not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For you are our glory and joy.
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