¹⁷ Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit.^(A) On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity,^(B) as those sent from God.^(C)

⁴ On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel.^(A) We are not trying to please people^(B) but God, who tests our hearts.^{(C) 5} You know we never used flattery, nor did we put on a mask to cover up greed^(D)—God is our witness.^{(E) 6} We were not looking for praise from people,^(F) not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles^(G) of Christ we could have asserted our authority.^{(H) 7} Instead, we were like young children^[a] among you.

Just as a nursing mother cares for her children,^(I)