1 Thessalonians 2

For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:

"For you know, brothers, when we came to you, it wasn't for no purpose."

But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.

But after facing troubles before, especially in Philippi where we were mistreated, we still bravely shared God's message with you, despite the opposition.

For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:

Our encouragement was honest, not dishonest or unclean, and without trickery.

But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts.

Since God let us take care of the good news, we share it in a way that pleases Him, not people, and He is the one who knows our true feelings.

For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:

We never used fake compliments or hid our greediness, just like you know, and God can confirm it.

Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.

We didn't want praise from people, not from you or others, and we didn't act like annoying preachers, like some Christian messengers.

But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:

But we were kind to you, just like a mother gently cares for her children.

So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.

Because we really care about you, we wanted to share not just God's message, but also our own selves with you, since you are so special to us.

For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.

You remember, brothers, how hard we worked and struggled for you. We worked all day and night so that we wouldn't be a burden to anyone of you while sharing God's good news with you.

Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:

You are witnesses, and God too, that we acted holy and fairly without blame while with you believers.

As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,

Just like a father cares for their children, we have encouraged and guided each one of you in the same way.

That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.

So that you can live in a way that honors God, who has invited you to be part of his kingdom and glory.

For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe.

We constantly thank God because when you heard God's message from us, you accepted it as truly from God and not just from people, and this powerful message works effectively in those who believe.

For ye, brethren, became followers of the churches of God which in Judaea are in Christ Jesus: for ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews:

For you, brothers and sisters, joined the churches of God in Judaea that follow Christ Jesus. You have faced similar struggles from your own people, just like they did from the Jews.

Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men:

Who killed the Lord Jesus, their own prophets, and also persecute us, don't please God, and oppose everyone.

Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins alway: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.

Telling us not to talk to non-Jews so they can be saved, and increasing their sins all the time. This is because God's anger has reached its fullest extent towards them.

But we, brethren, being taken from you for a short time in presence, not in heart, endeavoured the more abundantly to see your face with great desire.

But us, friends, temporarily away from you in person but not in feelings, tried even harder to see your face with strong desire.

Wherefore we would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us.

So, we wanted to visit you, me Paul, more than once; but Satan stopped us.

For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

What is our hope, happiness, or reason to celebrate? Aren't we with Jesus when he returns?

For ye are our glory and joy.

You are our pride and happiness.