1 Thessalonians 2:1-12 - Paul's Approach To Ministry In Thessalonica

¹ For you know, brethren, our coming unto you, that it was not in vain: ² but having suffered, and been abused, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict. ³ For our exhortation was not from delusion, nor from impurity, nor in guile: ⁴ but as we were approved of God that the gospel should be intrusted unto us, so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God who is proving our hearts, ⁵ For at that time we were not in word of flattery, as you know, nor in a pretext of covetousness, God is our witness; ⁶ nor seeking glory from men, nor from you, nor from others, being able to be burdensome, as the apostles of Christ; ⁷ but we were gentle in the midst of you, as if a nurse may cherish her children; ⁸ being so desirous of you, that we are anxious not only to give the gospel of God, but our own souls, because you are beloved unto us. ⁹ For you remember, brethren, our labor and toil: night and day working, that we should burden no one of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God. ¹⁰ You are witnesses, and God, how sacredly and righteously and blamelessly we were unto you who believed: ¹¹ as you know, exhorting each one of you, as a father of his own children, and comforting you, ¹² and testifying, that you walk worthily of God, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.