PATRIARCHAL? NO, TRY MATRIARCHAL

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We had previously suffered and been treated outrageously in Philippi, as you know, but with the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in the face of strong opposition. For the appeal we make does not spring from error or impure motives, nor are we trying to trick you. On the contrary, we speak as those approved by God to be entrusted with the gospel. We are not trying to please people but God, who tests our hearts. We were not looking for praise from people, not from you or anyone else, even though as apostles of Christ we could have asserted our authority. Instead, we were like young children among you. Just as a nursing mother cares for her children, so we cared for you. Because we loved you so much, we were delighted to share with you not only the gospel of God but our lives as well.
1 Thessalonians 2:2‭-‬4‭, ‬6‭

¶Suffering became Paul's bona fides. It was his sacrifices, his perseverance under pressure that gave the lie to any charge of self-interest, not that he was merely delusional. Self-delusion engenders none of the nurturing care he extended to his children in the faith. There are those who think Paul represents the patriarchy, but here he's more like a matriarch.

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