1For ye yourselves know, brethren, that our entrance in unto you was not in vain,
2But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated at Philippi, (as ye know) we were bold in our God, to speak unto you the Gospel of God, with much striving.
3For our exhortation was not by deceit, nor by uncleanness, nor by guile.
4But as we were allowed of God, that the Gospel should be committed unto us, so we speak, not as they that please men, but God, which approveth our hearts:
5Neither yet did we ever use flattering words, as ye know, nor colored covetousness, God is record.
6Neither sought we praise of men, neither of you, nor of others, when we might have been chargeable, as the Apostles of Christ.
7But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children.
8Thus being affectioned toward you, our good will was to have dealt unto you, not the Gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
9For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail: for we labored day and night, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, and preached unto you the Gospel of God.
10Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly, and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe.
11As ye know how that we exhorted you, and comforted, and besought every one of you, (as a father his children.)
12That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
13For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, that when ye received the word of God, which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is indeed the word of God, which also worketh in you that believe.
14For brethren, ye are become followers of the Churches of God, which in Judea are in Christ Jesus, because ye have also suffered the same things of your own country men, even as they have of the Jews,
15Who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own Prophets, and have persecuted us away, and God they please not, and are contrary to all men,
16And forbid us to preach unto the Gentiles, that they might be saved, to fulfill their sins always: for the wrath of God is come on them to the utmost.
17Forasmuch, brethren, as we were kept from you for a season, concerning sight, but not in the heart, we enforced the more to see your face with great desire.
18Therefore we would have come unto you (I Paul, at least once or twice) but Satan hindered us.
19For what is our hope or joy, or crown of rejoicing? are not even you it in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20Yea, ye are our glory and joy.