2:1 For you are well aware, brothers and sisters, that our coming to you was not a wasted effort.

2:2 Although we were publicly humiliated and insulted in Philippi, we came in the boldness of our God to relay his Gospel to you— with a lot of contention.

2:3 We didn’t try to persuade you out of deception or impurity or fraud,

2:4 but in keeping with the test God put us under: to be trustworthy with the Gospel. So we do not speak in a way that pleases people, but as to the God who tests our hearts.

2:5 For as you are well aware, at no time did we ever use flattery or act greedily— God is our witness.

2:6 Neither did we try to get people to exalt us; not you or anyone else. We could have been a burden to you as Ambassadors of the Anointed,

2:7 but instead we were kind among you, because a nurse should comfort her own children.

2:8 Being so thoroughly intertwined with you, we delight to share with you not only the Gospel of God but also our own souls, because you became so dear to us.

2:9 For you remember, brothers and sisters, our laborious efforts, working night and day so we would not be a burden to any of you. We proclaimed the Gospel of God to you,

2:10 and both you and God are witnesses to the fact of how innocent and just and faultless we were to you believers.

2:11 And you also know that we treated each of you as parents treat their own children,

2:12 consoling and comforting and affirming you, so that you would live in a way worthy of the God who calls you into his kingdom and majesty.

2:13 And that is the reason we also thank God continually, because you accepted the Word of God you heard from us— not as that of people but as it truly is, the Word of God, which is active in you who believe.

2:14 You, brothers and sisters, imitated God’s Congregation of the Anointed in Judea, for you suffered just as they did— from their own fellow citizens.

2:15 Theirs killed the Master Jesus and the prophets, and they banished us. They do not please God and are against everyone,

2:16 forbidding us to speak to the non-Judeans so they can be saved. They are piling up their failures, but God’s anger will overtake them in the end.

2:17 Brothers and sisters, we were torn away from you for a short time— but only physically— so we are all the more intent upon seeing your faces again.

2:18 We sincerely wanted to visit you once or twice (especially I, Paul), but the Adversary blocked us.

2:19 Who else is our hope or joy or badge of honor, if not you standing in the presence of our Master Jesus?

2:20 Yes, you are our honor and joy!