1 Thessalonians 2

Paul recalls the character of his ministry among them. Though he had suffered in Philippi, he preached boldly and sincerely, “not to please man, but to please God who tests our hearts,” seeking neither flattery nor glory nor gain. Instead he was gentle “like a nursing mother taking care of her own children,” sharing not only the gospel but his own self, and working night and day so as not to burden them, exhorting each one “like a father with his children.” He gives thanks that they received his message “not as the word of men but as... the word of God,” and that they have endured the same persecutions as the churches in Judea. He longs to see them again, calling them “our glory and joy.”