1Thessalonians:2:1-16

---

Seeker Overlay ON

* For yourselves know , brethren , our entrance among you , that it was not in vain . * For although we had before suffered , and were shamefully handled , as you know , at Philippi , we were bold , through our God , to speak to you the gospel of God , amidst a great combat . * Besides , our exhortation was not from error , nor from impurity , nor with guile . * But as we were approved of God , to be entrusted with the gospel , so we speak , not as pleasing men , but God , who tries our hearts . * For neither did we , at any time , use flattering words , or a pretext for covetousness ; God is witness . * Neither sought we honor from men ; neither from you , nor from others . We might have acted with authority , as Apostles of Christ ; * but we were gentle among you , as a nurse cherishes her children - * so , having a strong affection for you , we were well pleased to have imparted to you , not only the gospel of God , but our own souls , also ; because you were become dear to us . * For your remember , brethren , our labor and toil ; that laboring night and day ; that we might not be chargeable to any of you , we preached to you the gospel of God . * You were witnesses , and God , also , in what a holy , and just , and blameless manner , we acted toward you that believe . * As , also , you know , how we addressed every one of you as a father his own children , exhorting and comforting you ; * and testifying that you should walk worthy of God , who has called you to his kingdom of glory . * On this account , also , we give thanks to God , without ceasing , that when you received from us this message of God , you embraced not the word of men ; but , as it is in truth , the word of God , which , indeed , works effectually in you who believe . * For you , brethren , became imitators of the congregations of God which are in Judea , in Christ Jesus ; because you also have suffered like things from your own countrymen , even as they have from the Jews , * who both killed the Lord , and the prophets , and have greatly persecuted us , and do not please God , and are contrary to all men ; * hindering us to speak to the Gentiles , that they may be saved ; so that they fill up their iniquities always : but the wrath of God is coming upon them at length .

---