Thessalonians (The First Epistle of Paul the Apostle to the )

For brothers, you yourselves know our entrance to you, that it has not been without fruit.

But also suffering before and being insulted in Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak the gospel of God to you in much agony.

For our exhortation [was] not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;

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

For neither were we then [found] with words of flattery, even as you know, nor with pretense of covetousness (God [is] witness),

nor seeking glory from men, neither from you, nor from others, having been able to be [so] with the weight [of glory] as apostles of Christ.

But we were gentle in your midst, even as a nurse should warmly cherish her children.

Longing over you in this way, we were pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because you have become beloved to us.

For, brothers, you remember our labor and toil, night and day, working in order not to put a burden on any one of you, we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.

You and God [are] witnesses how holily and righteously and blamelessly we were to you, those believing;

even as you know how [I was to] each one of you, as a father [to] his children, exhorting and consoling you,

testifying for you to walk worthily of God, He calling you to His kingdom and glory.

And because of this we give thanks to God without ceasing, that having received [the] Word of hearing from us, you welcomed [it as] of God, not [as] a word of men, but as it is, truly [the] Word of God, which also works in you, the [ones] believing.

who both killed the Lord Jesus and their own prophets, also driving us out, and not pleasing God, and [being] contrary to all men,

hindering us from speaking to the nations in order that they be saved, to fill up their sins always. But the wrath has come on them to [the] uttermost.

But, brothers, we being taken away from you for an hour's time, in presence, not in heart, we were much more eager with much desire to see your face.

Because of this, we desired to come to you, truly I, Paul, both once and twice; but Satan hindered us.

For what [is] our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? [Are] you not even [to be] before our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming?

For you are our glory and joy.