In our strong affection for you, that seemed to us the best way of sharing with you, not only God's Good news, but our very lives as well--so dear had you become to us.

So, when we could not stand it any longer [Note: Paul's concern for the spiritual well-being of the Thessalonian Christians became unbearable], we [i.e., I, See verse 5] thought it best to be left behind, alone, at Athens [Note: Paul was willing to labor alone at Athens, so he could send his fellow-workers to minister to others. See Acts 17],

For you yourselves know well that the day of the Lord comes like a thief in the night.

but even after that we had suffered before and were shamefully entreated at Philippi - as ye well know - then were we bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God, with much striving.

Neither was our conversation at any time with flattering words - as ye well know - neither in cloaked covetousness, God is record: