5. As you know, we never praised you if we didn't mean it. We didn't put on a mask to cover up any sinful longing. God is our witness that this is true.
6. We were not expecting people to praise us. We were not looking for praise from you or anyone else. As Christ's apostles, we could have caused you some expense.
7. But we were gentle among you. We were like a mother caring for her little children.
8. We loved you so much that we were happy to share with you God's good news. We were also happy to share our lives with you. You had become very special to us.
9. Brothers and sisters, I am sure you remember how hard we worked. We labored night and day while we preached to you God's good news. We didn't want to cause you any expense.
10. You are witnesses of how we lived among you believers. God is also a witness that we were holy and godly and without blame.
11. You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children.
12. We gave you hope and strength. We comforted you. We really wanted you to live in a way that is worthy of God. He chooses you to enter his glorious kingdom.
13. We never stop thanking God for the way you received his word. You heard it from us. But you didn't accept it as a human word. You accepted it for what it really is. It is God's word. It is at work in you who believe.