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

¹ For you know brothers that our coming to you was not in vein. ² After we suffered and were mistreated in Philippi, we had the boldness (confidence) in our God to speak the good news of God to you amid much opposition. ³ For our presentation (exhortation) is not based on error, or of uncleanness, or in deceit. ⁴ We always speak, as God wants us to. He has judged us worthy to be entrusted with the Good News. We do not try to please people, but to please God, who tests our motives (examines our hearts). ⁵ You know very well that we did not come to you with flattering talk (praise for selfish gain). We did not use words to cover up greed (insatiable desire for wealth). God is our witness! ⁶ We did not try to get praise from anyone, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christ we could have made demands on you. ⁷ But we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children. ⁸ Having much affection for you, we were well pleased to impart the good news of God to you and also to share our lives with you. You have become very dear to us. ⁹ You may remember, brothers, our labor and hardship. We worked day and night that we would not burden any of you when we preached the good news of God to you. ¹⁰ You and God are witnesses, how devoutly and righteously, without blame, we behaved toward you who believe! ¹¹ You know how we dealt with each one of you. It was like a father with his own children, exhorting you, and encouraging and showing you. ¹² You should walk worthily of God, who called you into his own kingdom and glory.