Paul’s Ministry

1You yourselves know, brothers (and sisters), that our visit to you⁺ was not in vain. 2As you⁺ are aware, we had already endured suffering and shameful treatment in Philippi. But in the face of strong opposition, we were bold in our God {Theō} to speak to you⁺ the gospel (good news) of God {Theou}.

3For our appeal does not arise from deceit or ulterior motives or trickery. 4Instead, we speak as those approved by God {Theou} to be entrusted with the gospel (good news), not in order to please men but God {Theō}, who examines our hearts. 5As you⁺ know, we never used words of flattery or any pretext for greed. God is our witness! 6Nor did we seek praise {doxan} from you⁺ or from anyone else, although as apostles (sent ones) of Christ (the Anointed One) we had authority to demand it.a

7On the contrary, we were gentle among you⁺ [we were like young children among you],b like a nursing mother caring for her children. 8We cared so deeply that we were delighted to share with you⁺ not only the gospel (good news) of God {Theou}, but our own lives {psychas} as well. That is how beloved {agapētoi} you⁺ have become to us.

9Surely you⁺ recall, brothers (and sisters), our labor and toil. We worked night and day so that we would not be a burden to anyone while we proclaimed to you⁺ the gospel (good news) of God {Theou}. 10You⁺ are witnesses, and so is God {Theos}, of how holy, righteous, and blameless our conduct was among you⁺ who believed. 11For you⁺ know that we treated each of you⁺ as a father {patēr} treats his own children— 12encouraging you, comforting you⁺, and urging you⁺ to walk in a manner worthy of God {Theou}, who calls you⁺ into His own kingdom and glory {doxan}.

13And we continually thank God {Theō} because, when you received the word of God {Theou} that you heard from us, you⁺ accepted it not as the word of men, but as it truly is, the word of God, which is also now at work in you⁺ who believe.

14For you⁺, brothers (and sisters), became imitators of the churches {ekklēsiōn} of God {Theou} in Judea (land of praise) that are in Christ (the Anointed One) Jesus (YHWH saves). You⁺ suffered from your own countrymen the very things they suffered from the Jews (people of praise), 15who killed both the Lord {Kyrion} Jesus (YHWH saves) and their own prophets and drove us out as well. They are displeasing to God {Theō} and hostile to all men, 16hindering us from telling the Gentiles {ethnesin} how they may be saved. As a result, they continue to heap up their sins to full capacity; the utmost wrath has come upon them (at last the wrath of God has come upon them.).c

Paul’s Longing to Visit

17Brothers, although we were torn away from you⁺ for a short time (in person, not in heart), our desire to see you⁺ face to face was even more intense. 18For we wanted to come to you⁺—indeed I, Paul (humble), tried again and again—but Satan (adversary) obstructed us. 19After all, who is our hope, our joy, our crown of boasting, if it is not you⁺ yourselves in the presence of our Lord {Kyriou} Jesus (YHWH saves) at His coming? 20You⁺ are indeed our glory {doxa} and our joy.