How we cite our quotes:
Quote #1
For our appeal does not spring from deceit or impure motives or trickery, but just as we have been approved by God to be entrusted with the message of the gospel, even so we speak, not to please mortals, but to please God who tests our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4, NRSV)
For our exhortation was not of deceit, nor of uncleanness, nor in guile: But as we were allowed of God to be put in trust with the gospel, even so we speak; not as pleasing men, but God, which trieth our hearts. (1 Thessalonians 2:3-4, KJV)
Paul assures the good people of Thessalonica that he and his friends haven't come to them with bad intentions. That's probably a rumor some wicked and evil folks have been spreading, but it is totally not true. Take that, evil folks.
Quote #2
You suffered the same things from your own compatriots as they did from the Jews, who killed both the Lord Jesus and the prophets, and drove us out; they displease God and oppose everyone by hindering us from speaking to the Gentiles so that they may be saved. Thus they have constantly been filling up the measure of their sins; but God's wrath has overtaken them at last. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16, NRSV)
Ye also have suffered like things of your own countrymen, even as they have of the Jews: Who both killed the Lord Jesus, and their own prophets, and have persecuted us; and they please not God, and are contrary to all men: Forbidding us to speak to the Gentiles that they might be saved, to fill up their sins away: for the wrath is come upon them to the uttermost. (1 Thessalonians 2:14-16, KJV)
Whoa. Paul may be Jewish, but he doesn't have much love for the Jewish people here. He accuses them of killing Jesus and claims that God will have his revenge.
Quote #3
We wanted to come to you—certainly I, Paul, wanted to again and again—but Satan blocked our way. (1 Thessalonians 2:18, NRSV)
We would have come unto you, even I Paul, once and again; but Satan hindered us. (1 Thessalonians 2:18, KJV)
Paul's vacation plans were foiled by Satan! (Seriously, Paul? Over dramatic much?) We didn't know the Prince of Darkness was so skilled at ruining people's travel plans…