Apostol § 264

1 Thessalonians 2:1–8

Brethren, you yourselves know that * unto you was not in vain. But even after we had suffered before and were shamefully 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 deceit or uncleanness, nor was it in guile. But as we have been allowed 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 either words of flattery, as you know, nor a cloak for covetousness, as God is witness. Nor did we seek glory from men, neither from you, nor yet from others, when we might have made demands, as the 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 unto you not only the Gospel of God, but also our own lives, because you had become dear unto us.