A Father's Heart in Ministry
Paul defends how he behaved among them before our Father, with no flattery, no cover for greed and no pulling rank. He compares himself first to a nursing mother, then to a father with his children, and reminds them he worked nights so as not to burden anyone.
2 1For you yourselves know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not in vain. 2But though we'd already suffered and been mistreated at Philippi, as you know, we found courage in our Father to speak his good news to you despite fierce opposition. 3For our appeal does not spring from error or impurity, nor are we trying to deceive anyone. 4Rather, since our Father has approved us to be trusted with the gospel, we speak this way—not to please people, but our Father, who tests our hearts. 5We never spoke with flattering words, as you know, nor as a cover for greed—our Father is witness. 6We didn't seek praise from people—not from you, not from others—though as Christ's apostles we could have pressed our authority. 7But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother caring tenderly for her own children. 8So, deeply longing for you, we were glad to share with you not only our Father's good news but our own selves, since you became so dear to us. 9For you remember, brothers and sisters, our labor and toil: we worked night and day, not to burden any of you, while proclaiming the good news of our Father to you. 10You and our Father are witnesses how holy, righteous, and blameless we behaved toward you believers. 11As you know, we treated each of you like a father with his children—encouraging, comforting, and urging you, 12to live lives worthy of our Father, who calls you into his own kingdom and glory.
13We also thank our Father constantly for this: when you received our Father's word you heard from us, you welcomed it not as a human message but as what it truly is—his word, at work in you who believe. 14Brothers and sisters, you imitated our Father's churches in Christ Jesus in Judea, because you suffered the same from your own people as they did from the Jews, 15who killed the Lord Jesus and the prophets, drove us out, displease our Father, and oppose everyone, 16stopping us from speaking to the Gentiles so they can be saved, always filling up the measure of their sins. Now wrath has overtaken them at last.
Longing to See You Again
17Brothers and sisters, torn away from you for a short time—in person, not in heart—we were all the more eager to see your face, with great longing. 18We wanted to come to you—I, Paul, again and again—but Satan stopped us. 19For what's our hope, joy, or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? 20Yes, you are our glory and joy.
