CHAPTER 2
As
you are aware,
we had already endured suffering
and
shameful treatment
in
Philippi.
But
in the face of
strong
opposition,
we were bold
in
our
God
to speak
the
gospel
of God
to
you.
Instead,
we speak
as
those approved
by
God
to be entrusted with
the
gospel,
not
in order to
please
men
but
God,
who
examines
our
hearts.
Nor
did we seek
praise
from
you
or
from
anyone else,
although as
apostles
of Christ
we had authority
to demand
it.
We cared so deeply
that we were delighted
to share with
you
not
only
the
gospel
of God,
but
our
own
lives
as well.
That is how
beloved
you have become
to us.
Surely you recall,
brothers,
our
labor
and
toil.
We worked
night
and
day
so that
we would not be a burden
to anyone
while we proclaimed
to
you
the
gospel
of God.
You are
witnesses,
and so is
God,
of how
holy,
righteous,
and
blameless
our conduct was
among you
who
believed.
We encouraged you
and
comforted
you
as
we urged
you
to walk
in a manner worthy
of God,
who
calls
you
into
His own
kingdom
and
glory.
And
we
continually
thank
God
that
in receiving
the word
of God
from
us,
you did not accept it
as the word
of men,
but
as
the true
word
of God—
the word
now at work
in
you
who
believe.
For
you,
brothers,
became
imitators
of the
churches
of God
in
Judea
that
are
in
Christ
Jesus.
You
suffered
from
your
own
countrymen
the very things
they
suffered
from
the
Jews,
who
killed
both
the
Lord
Jesus
and
their own
prophets,
and
drove us out as well.
They are displeasing
to God
and
hostile
to all
men,
hindering
us
from telling
the
Gentiles
how
they may be saved.
As a result,
they continue
to heap up
their
sins to full capacity;
the
utmost
wrath
has come
upon
them.
Brothers,
although
we
were torn away
from
you
for
a short time
(in person,
not
in heart),
our
desire
to see
you
face to face
was even more intense.
After all,
who is
our
hope,
our
joy,
our
crown
of boasting,
if it is
not
you yourselves
in the presence of
our
Lord
Jesus
at
His
coming?