1 FOR yourselves, brethren, know our entrance to you, that it has not become vain.
2 But having before suffered, and been shamefully treated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
3 For our exhortation is not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;
4 but as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, who proves our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness; God is witness;
6 nor of men sought we glory, neither from you, nor from others, though able to use authority, as Christ's apostles.
7 But we were gentle among you, as a nurse cherishes her children;
8 so, being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to impart to you, not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls, because ye were dear to us.
9 For ye remember, brethren, our labor and toil; night and day working, in order not to burden any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.
10 Ye are witnesses, and God, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves to you that believe;
11 as ye know how we exhorted, and encouraged, and charged every one of you, as a father his children,
12 that ye should walk worthy of God, who is calling you into his kingdom and glory.
13 For this cause we also thank God without ceasing, that when ye received the word of God heard from us, ye received not the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of God, which also works in you that believe.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which are in Judaea in Christ Jesus; for ye also suffered the same things of your own countrymen, as they have of the Jews;
15 who both killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us forth, and please not God, and are contrary to all men;
16 hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always; and the wrath came upon them to the utmost.
17 But we, brethren, having been severed from you for a short time, in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face, with great desire.
18 Wherefore we would fain have come to you, even I, Paul, once and again; and Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glorying? Are not also ye, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.
