3 The appeal we make is based on truth. It comes from a pure heart. We are not trying to trick you.
4 In fact, it is just the opposite. God has accepted us to preach. He has trusted us with the good news. We aren't trying to please people. We want to please God. He puts our hearts to the test.
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.