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Thessalonians
2
For yourselves know, brethren, our entrance in unto
you, that it was not in vain:
But having suffered many things before, and been shamefully
treated (as you know) at Philippi, we had confidence
in our God, to speak unto you the gospel of God in much
carefulness.
For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness,
nor in deceit:
But as we were approved by God that the gospel should
be committed to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing
men, but God, who proveth our hearts.
For neither have we used, at any time, the speech of
flattery, as you know; nor taken an occasion of covetousness,
God is witness:
Nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others.
7 Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the
apostles of Christ: but we became little ones in the
midst of you, as if a nurse should cherish her children:
So desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you
not only the gospel of God, but also our own souls:
because you were become most dear unto us.
For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil: working
night and day, lest we should be chargeable to any of
you, we preached among you the gospel of God.
You are witnesses, and God also, how holily, and justly,
and without blame, we have been to you that have believed:
As you know in what manner, entreating and comforting
you, (as a father doth his children,)
We testified to every one of you, that you would walk
worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom
and glory.
Therefore, we also give thanks to God without ceasing:
because, that when you had received of us the word of
the hearing of God, you received it not as the word
of men, but (as it is indeed) the word of God, who worketh
in you that have believed.
For you, brethren, are become followers of the churches
of God which are in Judea, in Christ Jesus: for you
also have suffered the same things from your own coutrymen,
even as they have from the Jews,
Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and the prophets, and
have persecuted us, and please not God, and are adversaries
to all men;
Prohibiting us to speak to the Gentiles, that they may
be saved, to fill up their sins always: for the wrath
of God is come upon them to the end.
But we, brethren, being taken away from you for a short
time, in sight, not in heart, have hastened the more
abundantly to see your face with great desire.
For we would have come unto you, I Paul indeed, once
and again: but Satan hath hindered us.
For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of glory? Are
not you, in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at
his coming?
For you are our glory and joy.
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