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 you know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God (Elohim) to speak unto you the gospel (good news) of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) with much contention.
3 For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile;
4 But as we were allowed of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) to be put in trust with the gospel (good news), even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), who trieth our hearts.
5 For neither at any time used we flattering words, as you know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) 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 the Messiah (haMashiach).
7 But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children;
8 So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel (good news) of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) only, but also our own souls, because you were dear unto us.
9 For you 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 (good news) of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)).
10 You are witnesses, and God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe;
11 As you know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
12 That you would walk worthy of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), who hath called you unto His kingdom and glory.
13 For this cause also thank we God (Elohim) without ceasing, because, when you received the word of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)) which you heard of us, you received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the word of God (Elohim, יהוה (YHWH)), which effectually worketh also in you that believe.
14 For you, brethren, became followers of the assemblies (ekklesias) of God (Elohim) which in Judah (Yehudah) are in the Messiah (haMashiach) YHWH; for you also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews (Yehudim);
15 Who both killed the Lord (YHWH), and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God (Elohim), and are contrary to all men;
16 Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles (Goyim) that they might be saved, to fill up their sins always; for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost.
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.
19 For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even you in the presence of our Lord (Adonai) YHWH haMashiach at His coming?
20 For you are our glory and joy.