I Thessolonians 2:2-9
Brethren, we had confidence in our God to speak unto you the gospel of God in much carefulness. For our exhortation was not of error, nor of uncleanness, nor in deceit. 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. For neither have we used at any time the speech of flattery, as you know; nor taken an occasion of covetousness, God is witness: nor sought we glory of men, neither of you, nor of others. 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: 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. For, you remember, brethren, our labour and toil: working night and day lest we should be chargeable to any of you, we preached unto you the gospel of God.
Haydock
Verse 3. Our exhortation was not proceeding from error. That is, was not by promoting errors, or uncleanness. Wi.
Verse 4. As we were approved of and chosen by God to announce his gospel, we have tried to correspond with his designs; and we speak in a spirit of disinterestedness, not to please men, but God. Being chosen by God, it is to him we must render an account. Have we spoken to you in words of flattery? Have we disguised the gospel truth, or concealed its austerity? Have we made piety a cloak for avarice? &c. Calmet.
Verse 5. Nor taken an occasion of covetousness. Not so as to make the gospel a cloak for gain-sake. Wi.
Verse 7. But we became little, by our carriage, and by our humility and kindness. In the Greek, made ourselves gentle, good natured, &c. Wi.
Verse 8. Because you were become most dear to us. Lit. desiring you. S. Chrys. admires the tender expressions of love in S. Paul. Wi.