1 Thessalonians 2:2

2:2 But although we suffered earlier and were mistreated in Philippi, ¹  as you know, we had the courage in our God to declare to you the gospel of God ²  in spite of much opposition.

1 Thessalonians 2:8-9

2:8 with such affection for you ³  we were happy ⁴  to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us. 2:9 For you recall, brothers and sisters, ⁵  our toil and drudgery: By working night and day so as not to impose a burden on any of you, we preached to you the gospel of God.

¹ map For location see JP1-C1; JP2-C1; JP3-C1; JP4-C1.

² tn The genitive in the phrase τὸ εὐαγγέλιον τοῦ θεοῦ (to euangelion tou qeou, “the gospel of God”) could be translated as either a subjective genitive (“the gospel which God brings”) or an objective genitive (“the gospel about God”). Either is grammatically possible. This is possibly an instance of a plenary genitive (see ExSyn 119-21; M. Zerwick, Biblical Greek, §§36-39). If so, an interplay between the two concepts is intended: The gospel which God brings is in fact the gospel about himself. This same phrase occurs in vv. 8 and 9 as well.

³ tn Grk “longing for you in this way.”

⁴ tn Or “we are happy.” This verb may be past or present tense, but the context favors the past.

⁵ tn Grk “brothers.” See note on the phrase “brothers and sisters” in 1:4.