On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.(A) We are not trying to please people(B) but God, who tests our hearts.(C) You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed(D)—God is our witness.(E) We were not looking for praise from people,(F) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles(G) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.(H) Instead, we were like young children[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,(I)

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Footnotes

  1. 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Some manuscripts were gentle

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.

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

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

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

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