1Thessalonians:2

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* For you yourselves know , brethren , that our coming to you was not in vain . * But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi , as you know , we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict . * For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness , nor was it in deceit . * But as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel , even so we speak , not as pleasing men , but God who tests our hearts . * For neither at any time did we use flattering words , as you know , nor a cloak for covetousness--God is witness . * Nor did we seek glory from men , either from you or from others , when we might have made demands as apostles of Christ . * But we were gentle among you , just as a nursing mother cherishes her own children . * So , affectionately longing for you , we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God , but also our own lives , because you had become dear to us . * For you remember , brethren , our labor and toil ; for laboring night and day , that we might not be a burden to any of you , we preached to you the gospel of God . * You are witnesses , and God also , how devoutly and justly and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe ; * as you know how we exhorted , and comforted , and charged every one of you , as a father does his own children , * that you would walk worthy of God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory . * For this reason we also thank God without ceasing , because when you received the word of God which you heard from us , you welcomed it not as the word of men , but as it is in truth , the word of God , which also effectively works in you who believe . * For you , brethren , became imitators of the churches of God which are in Judea in Christ Jesus . For you also suffered the same things from your own countrymen , just as they did from the Judeans , * who killed both the Lord Jesus and their own prophets , and have persecuted us ; and they do not please God and are contrary to all men , * forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they may be saved , so as always to fill up the measure of their sins ; but wrath has come upon them to the uttermost . * But we , brethren , having been taken away from you for a short time in presence , not in heart , endeavored more eagerly to see your face with great desire . * Therefore we wanted to come to you--even I , Paul , time and again--but Satan hindered us . * For what is our hope , or joy , or crown of rejoicing ? Is it not even you in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at His coming ? * For you are our glory and joy .

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