I Thessalonians 2:1-2:12

How A Leader Ought To Be

  1. For yourselves, brethren, know our entrance in unto you, that it was not in vain:
  2. But even after that we had suffered before, and were shamefully entreated, as ye know, at Philippi, we were bold in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God with much contention.
  3. For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile:
  4. 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.
  5. For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God is witness:
  6. Nor of men sought we glory, neither of you, nor yet of others, when we might have been burdensome, as the apostles of Christ.
  7. But we were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children:
  8. So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
  9. For ye remember, brethren, our labour and travail: for labouring night and day, because we would not be chargeable unto any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
  10. Ye are witnesses, and God also, how holily and justly and unblameably we behaved ourselves among you that believe:
  11. As ye know how we exhorted and comforted and charged every one of you, as a father doth his children,
  12. That ye would walk worthy of God, who hath called you unto his kingdom and glory.