1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that our coming to you was not in vain.
2 But even after we had suffered before and were spitefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we were bold in our God to speak to you the gospel of God in much conflict.
3 For our exhortation did not come from error or uncleanness, nor was it in deceit.
our coming to you was not in vain (v.1) — “not without results” — tense indicates an action with continuing results “has not come to be” — 1 Thessalonians 1:8; 2 Thessalonians 1:10
spitefully treated at Philippi (v.2) — can include insults and physical mistreatment — Acts 16:16-24
we were bold (v.2) — always used in the New Testament for preaching the truth
conflict (v.2) = contest, fight, race
In verse 3, Paul is apparently defending his ministry against claims made by his opponents that his teachings were wrong, impure, or deceitful.
error (v.3) = wandering, forsaking the right path
nor was it in deceit (v.3) — not craftily, not for some personal gain — 2 Corinthians 4:1-2
