Paul's Ministry in Thessalonica
1
You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.
2
We had previously suffered and been insulted in Phillippi, as you know,
but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of
strong opposition.
3
For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives,
nor are we trying to trick you.
4
On the contrary, we speak as as men approved by God to be entrusted
with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.
5
You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask
to cover up greed - God is our witness.
6
We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.
As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you,
7
but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.
8
We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only
the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.
9
Surerly you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night nd day
in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.
10
You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy,
righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.
11
For you know that we dealt with each of you
as a father deals with his own children,
12
encouragung, comforting and urging you to live lves worthy of God,
who calls you into his kingdom and glory.
13
And we thank God continually because, when you received the word of God,
which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men,
but as it actually is, the word of God, which is at work in you who believe.
14
For you, brothers, became imitators of God's churches in Judea,
which are in Christ Jesus: You suffered from your own countrymen
the same things those churches suffered from the Jews,
15
who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets and also drove us out.
They displease God and are hostile to all men
16
in their effort to keep us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved.
In this way they always heap up their sins to the limit.
The wrath of God has come upon them at last.
Paul's Longing to See the Thessalonians
17
But, brothers, when we were torn away from you for a short time (in prison,
not in thought), out of intense longing we mae every effort to see you.
18
For we wanted to come to you - certainly I, Paul, did, again and again -
but Satan stopped us.
19
For what is our hope, our jot, or the crown in which we will glory in the oresence
of our Lord Jesus when he comes? Is it not you?
20
Indeed, you are our glory and joy.