Study Desk

You know, brothers, that our visit to you was not a failure.

You know, brothers and sisters, that our visit to you was not without results.

We had previously suffered and been insulted in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition.

We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition.

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.

For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you.

On the contrary, we speak as men approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please men but God, who tests our hearts.

On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts.

You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.

You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed—God is our witness.

We were not looking for praise from men, not from you or anyone else.

We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority.

As apostles of Christ we could have been a burden to you, but we were gentle among you, like a mother caring for her little children.

Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,

We loved you so much that we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well, because you had become so dear to us.

so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.

Surely you remember, brothers, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

Surely you remember, brothers and sisters, our toil and hardship; we worked night and day in order not to be a burden to anyone while we preached the gospel of God to you.

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

You are witnesses, and so is God, of how holy, righteous and blameless we were among you who believed.

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,

For you know that we dealt with each of you as a father deals with his own children,

encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.

encouraging, comforting and urging you to live lives worthy of God, who calls you into his kingdom and glory.