¹⁷ For we are not like the many who trade on the word of God; but as out of sincerity, indeed as from God and in the presence of God, we speak in Christ.^(A)

⁴ But as we were judged worthy^[a] by God to be entrusted with the gospel, that is how we speak, not as trying to please human beings, but rather God, who judges our hearts.^{(A) 5} Nor, indeed, did we ever appear with flattering speech, as you know, or with a pretext for greed—God is witness— ⁶ nor did we seek praise from human beings, either from you or from others,^{(B) 7} although we were able to impose our weight as apostles of Christ. Rather, we were gentle^[b] among you, as a nursing mother cares for her children.