1 Thessalonians

Paul’s Ministry in Thessalonica 

You well know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not in vain.

We had been mistreated and insulted in Philippi, but trusting in our God, we dared to declare to you the message of God and face new opposition. 

Our appeal did not hide any error or impure motive, nor did we deceive anyone. 

But, as God had entrusted his gospel to us, as faithful ministers, we were eager to please God, who sees the heart rather than people. 

We never tried to flatter you, as you know, nor did we seek to earn money, as God is witness. 

We did not attempt to make a name for ourselves among people, either with you or anyone else, 

even though we are messengers of Christ and could have asserted our authority. On the contrary, we were gentle with you as a nursing mother who feeds and cuddles her baby. 

So great is our concern for you that we are ready to share with you not only the gospel of God but even our very lives, for you have become very dear to us. 

Remember our labor and toil; when we preached the gospel of God, we worked day and night so as not to be a burden to you. 

You are witnesses before God that we were holy, just, and blameless toward all of you who now believe. 

We treated each one of you as a father warns his children; 

we encouraged you, and urged you to adopt a way of life worthy of God, who calls you to share in his own glory and kingdom. 

This is why we always thank God, for when we shared our message, you accepted it—not as human words but as God’s own word. That is what it truly is, and accordingly, it is at work in you who believe.

Brothers and sisters, you followed the example of the churches of God in Judea, the churches of Christ Jesus. For you suffered from your compatriots the same trials they faced from the Jews, 

who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and who persecuted us. They displease God and harm all people 

when they prevent us from speaking to the Gentiles that they may be saved. By doing so, they are accumulating their sins, but now, judgment is coming upon them.

We are temporarily deprived of your presence, but not from our hearts, and we eagerly long to see you. 

For we have wanted to visit you, and I, Paul, more than once, but Satan has prevented us. 

In fact, who but you are our hope and our joy? Who but you will be our glorious crown before Jesus, our Lord, when he returns? 

Yes, indeed, you are our glory and joy.