| 2:1 | For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters,* about our coming to you – it has not proven to be purposeless.* |
| 2:2 | But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi,* as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God* in spite of much opposition. |
| 2:3 | For the appeal we make* does not come* from error or impurity or with deceit, |
| 2:4 | but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts. |
| 2:5 | For we never appeared* with flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed – God is our witness – |
| 2:6 | nor to seek glory from people, either from you or from others, |
| 2:7 | * although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became* little children* among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children, |
| 2:8 | with such affection for you* we were happy* to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. |
| 2:9 | For you recall, brothers and sisters,* our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God. |
| 2:10 | You are witnesses, and so is God, as to how holy and righteous and blameless our conduct was toward you who believe. |
| 2:11 | As you know, we treated each one of you as a father treats his own children, |
| 2:12 | exhorting and encouraging you and insisting that you live in a way worthy of God who calls you to his own kingdom and his glory. |
| 2:13 | And so* we too constantly thank God that when you received God’s message that you heard from us,* you accepted it not as a human message,* but as it truly is, God’s message, which is at work among you who believe. |
| 2:14 | For you became imitators, brothers and sisters,* of God’s churches in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, because you too suffered the same things from your own countrymen as they in fact did from the Jews, |
| 2:15 | who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets* and persecuted us severely.* They are displeasing to God and are opposed to all people, |
| 2:16 | because they hinder us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they constantly fill up their measure of sins,* but wrath* has come upon them completely.* |
| 2:17 | But when we were separated from you, brothers and sisters,* for a short time (in presence, not in affection)* we became all the more fervent in our great desire* to see you in person.* |
| 2:18 | For we wanted to come to you (I, Paul, in fact tried again and again)* but Satan thwarted us. |
| 2:19 | For who is our hope or joy or crown to boast of* before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not of course you? |
| 2:20 | For you are our glory and joy! |
1 Thessalonians 2 - NET Bible [draft]
