1Thessalonian chapter 2

1Thess 2

Paul himself is a good example of a Witness

1 No doubt, Brethren, they are aware, that our entry towards you has not happened to be in vain;

2 but having suffered before, and insulted/abused in Phillipi (of Macedonia), just as you know of us, we were frank/bold in God to preach the gospel of God to you, within much struggle/agony.

3 for our exhortation was not from error, neither out of uncleanness, nor in deception;

4 but just as we are to be tried under God, we likewise preached the gospel to have Faith; not as though to please men, but God, WHO will prove our hearts.

5 for, just as you are aware, a Witness/martyr of the words of God should neither at any time become flattery, nor be in outward show for greed;

6 we neither seek the glory from men, nor (glory) from you, not even from other Apostles in Christ who can be as a burden. 

7 But, we become mild/gentle in your midst, as in the case, of a nurse, nursing her own children.

8 likewise, we are well-pleased to have shared/imparted the Gospel of God to you, and not only by being concerned/yearning for you, but because your own souls have become dear/beloved to us.

9 For, the Brethren, will remember our labour and toil, in proclaiming the gospel of God unto you; working night and day, towards not being chargeable to anyone of you.

10 And, as we become witnesses of God, piously and righteously, and unimpeachably  to you, even for you to have faith.

11 you know, exactly as a father to his own children, we are as one to each person.

12 and we have exhorted and encouraged you, and even testified unto you, to walk worthily of God, Who has called you forth unto His own Kingdom and Glory.

Word of God is True and has come to work in us with power

13 And by this reason, we are grateful to God without omission (at all prayer hours), because, having received the words by things heard from us, you did not accept the words as from men, but Truly as from God; (for) it is the word of God, which has worked/is effective in you to have faith.

14 No doubt, brethren, you have become imitators of the church of God in Judea. For you, under your own country/native-men, you suffer the same thing in Christ Jesus,  even just as they, under the Jews. (Act 17)

15 who having killed the prophets and Lord Jesus, (they are) never pleased but are antagonistic/contrary to all men of God, and have even driven us out.

16 always preventing us to preach to the heathen races, at least (for you) to be saved; however, to the intent of filling up their sins, and the wrath has already arrived upon them unto the ultimate end.

Paul advise personal diligence and his desire to visit again 

17 Moreover, Brethren, not having totally separated away from your presence, towards an hour of time, my heart is eager/prompted exceedingly with much longing to see your face.

18 on this account, I, Paul indeed had wanted to come towards you, once and even twice, but satan hindered me. 

19 For, what is our hope, or joy, or crown of boasting? Is it not you indeed, before our Lord Jesus, at His return?

20 For, our glory is also your joy.