1 Thessalonians, Chapter 2, verses 1-8
1 Paul’s Ministry1 For you yourselves know, brethren, that ouracoming to you was not in vain, 2 but after we had already suffered and been mistreated in Philippi, as you know, we had the boldness in our God to speak to you the gospel of God amid muchbopposition. 3 For our exhortation does not come from error or impurity orcby way of deceit; 4 but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel, so we speak, not as pleasing men, but God whodexamines our hearts. 5 For we never cameewith flattering speech, as you know, nor with a pretext for greed—God is witness— 6 nor did we seek glory from men, either from you or from others, even though as apostles of Christfwe might havegasserted our authority. 7 But wehproved to beigentlejamong you, as a nursing motherktenderly cares for her own children. 8 Having so fond an affection for you, we were well-pleased to impart to you not only the gospel of God but also our ownllives, because you had becomemvery dear to us. |
Read more:1 Thessalonians, Chapter 2
Mark, Chapter 6, verses 17-29
14 John’s Fate Recalled17 For Herod himself had sent and had John arrested and bound in prison on account of Herodias, the wife of his brother Philip, because he had married her. 18 For John had been saying to Herod, “It is not lawful for you to have your brother’s wife.” 19 Herodias had a grudge against him and wanted to put him to death and could not do so; 20 for Herod was afraid of John, knowing that he was a righteous and holy man, and he kept him safe. And when he heard him, he was very perplexed;lbut hemused to enjoy listening to him. 21 A strategic day came when Herod on his birthday gave a banquet for his lords andnmilitary commanders and the leading men of Galilee; 22 and when the daughter of Herodias herself came in and danced, she pleased Herod andohis dinner guests; and the king said to the girl, “Ask me for whatever you want and I will give it to you.” 23 And he swore to her, “Whatever you ask of me, I will give it to you; up to half of my kingdom.” 24 And she went out and said to her mother, “What shall I ask for?” And she said, “The head of John the Baptist.” 25 Immediately she came in a hurry to the king and asked, saying, “I want you to give me at once the head of John the Baptist on a platter.” 26 And although the king was very sorry, yet because of his oaths and because ofphis dinner guests, he was unwilling to refuse her. 27 Immediately the king sent an executioner and commanded him to bring back his head. And he went and had him beheaded in the prison, 28 and brought his head on a platter, and gave it to the girl; and the girl gave it to her mother. 29 When his disciples heard about this, they came and took away his body and laid it in a tomb. |
Read more:Mark, Chapter 6
