1For you yourselves know, brothers, that our coming to you was not in vain.

2But having suffered before and having been mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our Elohim to speak to you the Good News of Elohim in much struggle.

3For the appeal we make does not come from delusion, nor from uncleanness, nor from deceit.

4But as we have been approved by Elohim to be entrusted with the Good News, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but Elohim who proves our hearts.

5For we never came with a word of flattery, as you know, nor with a cloak for greed – Elohim is witness –

6nor were we looking for praise from men, not from you nor from others, though we could have been a burden to you, as emissaries of Messiah.

7But we were gentle in your midst, like a nursing mother warmly loving her own children.

8So, having a tender affection for you, we were well pleased to share with you not only the Good News of Elohim, but also our own lives, because you have become beloved to us.

9For you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship, for labouring night and day, in order not to burden any of you, we proclaimed to you the Good News of Elohim.

10You are witnesses, Elohim also, how set-apart and righteously and blamelessly we behaved ourselves among you who believe,

11even as you know how each one of you, as a father to his children, encouraging and comforting and bearing witness to you,

12that you would walk worthily of Elohim who is calling you into His own reign and esteem.

13And because of this we thank Elohim without ceasing, that when you received the Word of Elohim which you heard from us, you welcomed it not as the word of men, but as it is truly, the Word of Elohim, which also works in you who believe.a

14For you, brothers, became imitators of the assemblies of Elohim which are in Yehuḏah in Messiah יהושע, because you also suffered the same treatment from your own countrymen as they also from the Yehuḏim,

15who killed both the Master יהושע and their own prophets, and have persecuted us, and who displease Elohim and are hostile to all men,

16forbidding us to speak to the gentiles that they might be saved, so as to fill up their sins always. But the wrath has come upon them to the utmost.

17But we, brothers, having been taken away from you for a short while – in presence, not in heart – were much more eagerly trying to see your face, with much longing.

18We would therefore have come to you, I indeed, Sha’ul, more than once, but Satan hindered us.

19For what is our expectation, or joy, or crown of boasting? Is it not even you, before our Master יהושע Messiah at His coming?

20For you are our esteem and joy.