The sincerity of the apostle's preaching the gospel to them and of
their receiving it.
2:1. For yourselves know, brethren, our entrance in unto you, that it
was not in vain:
2:2. But having suffered many things before and been shamefully
treated, (as you know) at Philippi, we had confidence in our God, to
speak unto you the gospel of God in much carefulness.
2:3. For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in
deceit.
2:4. But as we were approved by God that the gospel should be committed
to us: even so we speak, not as pleasing men but God, who proveth our
hearts.
2:5. For neither have we used at any time the speech of flattery, as
you know: nor taken an occasion of covetousness (God is witness):
2:6. Nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others.
2:7. Whereas we might have been burdensome to you, as the apostles of
Christ: but we became little ones in the midst of you, as if a nurse
should cherish her children:
2:8. So desirous of you, we would gladly impart unto you not only the
gospel of God but also our own souls: because you were become most dear
unto us.
2:9. For you remember, brethren, our labour and toil: working night and
day, lest we should be chargeable to any of you, we preached among you
the gospel of God.
2:10. You are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and
without blame we have been to you that have believed:
2:11. As you know in what manner, entreating and comforting you (as a
father doth his children),
2:12. We testified to every one of you that you would walk worthy of
God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.
2:14. For you, brethren, are become followers of the churches of God
which are in Judea, in Christ Jesus: for you also have suffered the
same things from your own countrymen, even as they have from the Jews:
2:15. Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and the prophets, and have
persecuted us, and please not God, and are adversaries to all men;
2:16. Prohibiting us to speak to the Gentiles, that they may be saved,
to fill up their sins always: for the wrath of God is come upon them to
the end.
To fill up their sins. . .That is, to fill up the measure of their sins,
after which God's justice would punish them. For the wrath of God is
come upon them to the end. . .That is, to continue on them to the end.
2:17. But we, brethren, being taken away from you for a short time, in
sight, not in heart, have hastened the more abundantly to see your face
with great desire.
2:18. For we would have come unto you, I Paul indeed, once and again:
but Satan hath hindered us.
2:19. For what is our hope or joy or crown of glory? Are not you, in
the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?
2:20. For you are our glory and joy.