but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we declare it, not to please people but God, who examines our hearts.

although we could have imposed our weight as apostles of Christ; instead we became little children among you. Like a nursing mother caring for her own children,

So then we must not sleep as the rest, but must stay alert and sober.

For God did not destine us for wrath but for gaining salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

with such affection for you we were happy to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives, because you had become dear to us.

Consequently the one who rejects this is not rejecting human authority but God, who gives his Holy Spirit to you.

See that no one pays back evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good for one another and for all.

in that our gospel did not come to you merely in words, but in power and in the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction (surely you recall the character we displayed when we came among you to help you).

And so we too constantly thank God that when you received God’s message that you heard from us, you accepted it not as a human message, but as it truly is, God’s message, which is at work among you who believe.