So being affectionately desirous of you, we were willing to have imparted unto you, not the gospel of God only, but also our own souls, because ye were dear unto us.
So. 'As a nurse cherisheth, etc., so we were willing,' etc. (Alford). Rather, "So;" i:e., seeing that we have such an affection for you.
Being affectionately desirous. [A 'Aleph (') B C Delta G read homeiromenoi (G3655a) for himeiromenoi: from homou eirein]. Literally, connecting one's self with another: closely attached to.
Willing, х eudokoumen (G2106) is stronger] - 'we were well content:' 'we would gladly have imparted,' etc., 'even our own souls, the center of our being, our lives' х psuchas (G5590)]; as we showed in what we endured in giving you the Gospel, (Acts 17:1-34). As a nursing mother would impart not only her milk to her children, but her life for them, so we not only imparted gladly the spiritual milk of the Word to you, but naked our lives for your spiritual nourishment, imitating Him who laid down His life for His friends, the greatest proof of love (John 15:13: cf. the type, 2 Samuel 24:17).
Ye were, х egeneetheete (G1096)] - 'ye were become;' as our spiritual children.
Dear, х agapeetoi (G27)] - 'dearly beloved.'