1.

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

2.

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.

Verse 2
At Philippi. The circumstances here referred to are related in Acts 16:12-40.--Contention; referring to the difficulties and dangers with which they had to contend.

3.

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

Verse 3
Uncleanness; impurity of motive and design.

4.

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.

Verse 4
To be put in trust with; to be intrusted with.--Even so; that is, in accordance with the source of the commission,--namely, one received from God.

5.

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

6.

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

Verse 6
We might have been burdensome; we might have expected of you supplies for our wants.

7.

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

Verse 7
Gentle; benevolent and kind. The meaning is, that their labors were freely given, prompted, like the care and attention bestowed upon infancy, by feelings of disinterested affection, and not by hope of reward.

8.

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.

9.

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.

Verse 9
Laboring night and day, &c. It would seem from this passage that Paul labored with his hands to provide the means of support in Thessalonica, as he did in Corinth. (Acts 18:3.)

10.

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

11.

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

12.

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

13.

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.

14.

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:

15.

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:

Verse 15
Contrary to all men; contending against what would be for the welfare and happiness of all men.

16.

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.

Verse 16
The wrath is come upon them; they are utterly abandoned to sin, and their destruction is impending and sure.

17.

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.

18.

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

Verse 18
Satan; referring to the opposition and threatening of his enemies instigated by Satan.

19.

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?

20.

For ye are our glory and joy.