1st Thessalonians 2
1 For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain;
2 But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our
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to speak unto you the gospel of
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with much contention.
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;
4 But as we were allowed of
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to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but
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, which trieth our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloak of covetousness;
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is witness;
6 Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children;
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of
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only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
9 For ye remember, brethren, our labor and travail; for laboring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of
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.
10 Ye are witnesses, and
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also, how holily and justly and unblamably we behaved ourselves among you that believe;
11 As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That ye would walk worthy of
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, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
13 For this cause also thank we
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without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of
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which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but, as it is in truth, the word of
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, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14 For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of
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which in Judea are in Christ Jesus; for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews;
15 Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not
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, and are contrary to all men;
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always; for the wrath is coming upon them to the uttermost.
17 But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavored the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.
18 Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
20 For ye are our glory and joy.