“1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it
was not in vain: 2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were
shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God
to speak unto 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 trieth our hearts. 5 For
neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke 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 cherisheth her
children: 8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to
have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own
souls, because ye were dear unto us. 9 For ye remember, brethren, our
labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be
chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. 10
Ye [are] witnesses, and God [also], how holily and justly and
unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe: 11 As ye know
how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father
[doth] his children, 12 That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath
called you unto his kingdom and glory.”
“13 For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, 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 in truth, the word of God, which
effectually worketh also in you that believe. 14 For ye, brethren,
became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ
Jesus: for ye 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 alway: 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 unto 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 ye in the presence of our
Lord Jesus Christ at his coming? 20 For ye are our glory and joy.” (1
Thessalonians 2:1-20 AV)
© 2011-2018 Kathy L. McFarland. All Rights Reserved Privacy Policy