But as my fitness to be entrusted with the gospel has been tested and approved by God, I so speak, not to please men, but to please God, who is testing my motives.

Now was I seeking glory from men, either yourselves or others, although I might have exercised authority as Christ's apostle.

For this reason also I am giving continual thanks to God, because when you heard from me the spoken word of God, you received it not as the word of men, but as the word of God (which in truth it is), who himself is effectually at work in you believe.

For you, brothers, began to follow the example of the churches of God in Judea, which are in Christ Jesus; and you in your turn suffered at the hands of your fellow citizens persecutions like to those which they endured from the Jews??15 The men who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out??hey are displeasing to God, and are the enemies of all mankind.

Meanwhile, may the Lord cause you to increase and abound in love toward one another and toward all men, even as I do toward you.

That no man overreach or take advantage of his brother in such matters, because "the Lord takes vengeance" in all these things, as also I repeatedly forewarned you and testified to you.

So that he who rejects this is not rejecting man, but the God who gave you his Holy Spirit.

So that your conduct may be seemly toward those that are without, and that you may not need help from any man.

But I would not have you ignorant, brothers, about those who are falling asleep. You must not sorrow like other men, who have no hope.

While men are saying "Peace and safety," then, like birth-pangs upon a woman with child, destruction will come upon them suddenly. In no wise will they escape.