4 [2:1]For you know, brothers, our introduction to you that it was not in vain, [2:2]but having suffered before, and been injuriously treated, as you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God with much contention. [2:3]For our exhortation was not of error, nor of impurity, nor with deceit, [2:4]but as we were judged worthy by God to be intrusted with the gospel so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God who tries our hearts. [2:5]For we used at no time a word of flattery, as you know, nor a pretext for covetousness, God is witness, [2:6]neither did we seek glory of men, either of you or of others, when we might have been burdensome as apostles of Christ; [2:7]but we were gentle among you, as a nurse would cherish her own children; [2:8]so being greatly desirous of you, we were well pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God, but our own souls, because you were dear to us. [2:9]For you remember, brothers, our labor and weariness; that working night and day not to be burdensome to any one of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. [2:10]You are witnesses, and God, how piously, and righteously, and blamelessly we were with you that believe, [2:11]as you know how we exhorted and comforted you, as a father each one of his own children, [2:12]and charged you to walk worthily of God who calls you into his kingdom and glory. 5 [2:13]For this cause also we thank God without ceasing, that receiving the word of God heard from us, you received not a word of men, but, as it is in truth, a word of God, who also works in you that believe. [2:14]For you, brothers, became followers of the churches of God in Christ Jesus which were in Judea, for you also suffered the same things from your countrymen, which they did from the Jews [2:15]who also killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and persecuted us, and who please not God and are hostile to all men, [2:16] forbidding us to speak to the gentiles that they may be saved, that they may fill up their sins always; and the wrath has come on them to the utmost. 6 [2:17]But we, brothers, being deprived of you for a short time in presence, not in heart, used greater diligence to see your face, with much desire. [2:18] For which reason we wished to come to you; I Paul indeed once and again, and Satan hindered us. [2:19]For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Is it not even you before our Lord Jesus at his coming? [2:20]For you are our glory and joy.